Palm Sunday

Continue with…

Adult Today we will extinguish the last purple candle. We have looked at those things in our lives which separate us from God and which prevent us from living as children of the Light. The final barrier we reflect upon is our lack of commitment.

Youth Like learning to play a musical instrument or riding a bike, being an active member of the family of God means work and practice. Often we lack the commitment we need to see the job through. We get tired of it, or bored, or it gets too difficult and so we quit.

Adult We can imagine how easy it must have been to shout hosannas with the rest of the crowd as Jesus rode into Jerusalem. But we can also imagine how easy it might have been to shout “Crucify him!” with the crowd only days later. Being a responsible person of faith takes commitment. It often means going against the crowd.

Youth As we put out this candle, let us think of those times when we have not been strong in our commitment to the call of God. Let us also remember the commitment of Christ and the light of his example. (the sixth candle is extinguished) Let us pray:

All God, our Saviour, we praise and adore you. In your mercy you have reached out to us and made us your covenant people. You have called us to new life in Jesus Christ. We want to be a faithful people, O God, yet you know our weakness. Our feet slip easily from your pathway. O God, we trust in the mercy you have shown us in Jesus. Transform our wavering steps into solid conviction for Christ’s sake, we pray. Amen!

Tenebrae | Ashes to Easter