Most of my career I led a children’s moment in weekly worship. As Holy Week approached each year, I mentioned the names of the worship services and the meaning behind them: Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and, of course, Easter.
Palm Sunday was of particular interest to one young eight-year-old girl. As I talked with the kids, I described what we were going to do next Sunday which is Palm Sunday (wave palm fronds, parade in, etc.).
Either my diction was poor, or she heard only what she could understand. She got most of the story right of the Jesus parade. Except she didn’t hear “Palm Sunday” but “Paul Sunday.” In her mind, that was the name of the Sunday – Paul Sunday.
Come Palm Sunday and I ask during the children’s moment what day is it and what we were celebrating? That young girl eagerly proclaimed to the congregation that she knew what day it was. She went on to describe the events of Jesus’ entry with amazing accuracy. I said, “Great, what is it called when we wave palms?” She proudly shouted for all to hear: “It’s Paul Sunday!”
Sooooo close!
As big boys and girls, let’s get it right; it’s Palm Sunday! Let’s choose the right parade – Jesus’ Triumphal Entry. Come and participate, wave your palms and enter into Holy Week.
Shalom, Paul