Page 31 - Lenten Devotional 2023
P. 31
Week 3: March 13-17
Matthew 21: 7 – 11 & Leviticus 19: 33-34
Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people
spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields.
Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is the
one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!’ Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and
when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with
the twelve.
When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien. The alien who
resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself,
for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.
Reflection
The enthusiasm of the crowd must have been exciting to the disciples and those who
had been with Jesus from the beginning. The reception Jesus received entering
Jerusalem was in stark contrast to how he would leave Jerusalem. We sometimes find
ourselves filled with anxiety as we enter an unfamiliar situation. Our minds can be filled
with worries and fear as we take that first step into our uncertain world. We can feel
like an alien in a foreign land. We are grateful to those who extend hospitality to us.
Welcome Stories
In October of 2015, I launched my own company which, today, is still going strong. The
mission of my company is to train and coach professionals and volunteers in best
practices for delaying the onset of risky behaviors (e.g. substance use, bullying and early
sexual activity) with adolescents. Working in the field of substance use prevention and
youth empowerment is a passionate career I have had for 36+ years.
Over the years, my work has taken me to all 50 states and other countries. But, in
September of 2018, I received a call requesting me to train in a location I had yet to
