Today, on Palm Sunday, Christians around the world wave palm branches in remembrance of people greeting Jesus on his entry into Jerusalem: “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:9; ESV) People around the world also join palms in prayer in remembrance of Coptic Christians killed today by deadly blasts in two churches in Egypt.
Regardless of our ecclesial affiliation, we who are Christians must not only join palms in prayer for those closest to us. Some Evangelical Christians in the States may feel worlds apart spiritually—not just geographically—from Coptic Christians. Suffering and tragedy should bring us together so that we grieve with those who grieve—regardless of doctrinal, liturgical and cultural differences. Our brothers and sisters in Christ in Egypt express increasing anguish and despair, even as ISIS has claimed recently that it would increase attacks on them (Refer here and here to articles focusing on the persecution of Egyptian Christians).
We must also join palms on Palm Sunday and beyond with Muslims and others who seek peace, and pray for governments to be vigilant and wise in protecting people of all creeds from the threat of terror. As we join palms in prayer and solidarity, we will not have opportunity to point fingers at one another. In this way, we remember Jesus who came to reconcile us and bring peace and justice for all. Come, Lord Jesus, come!
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