This Sunday is Palm Sunday! I fondly remember celebrating it at the UCC church where I grew up in Louisville, KY. After Sunday school, my friends and I would gather in the Fellowship Hall, each receiving a palm branch. We’d then go outside to find a donkey waiting for us. Following the donkey, we’d walk around to the front of the church, singing along, and then enter. I vividly remember my mother pointing to the donkey’s back, where I was surprised to see what looked like a furry cross. I hadn’t realized that donkeys naturally have a dark, cross-shaped mark on their backs caused by a genetic striped pattern, often called a “Jerusalem cross” or a “donkey cross.” Scientists think these markings may have helped wild donkeys hide from predators, but Christian tradition says the mark appeared as a reward for the donkey’s role in carrying Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.

I won’t argue about that, but I find the story of the cross on the donkey’s back quite fascinating. Isn’t it remarkable how the donkey was changed forever after meeting Jesus? The Bible contains numerous stories of individuals who are permanently transformed upon encountering Jesus or when He reveals Himself to them. Examples include Nicodemus, the woman at the well, the disciples, Mary Magdalene, and Saul, who became Paul on the road to Damascus. There are many stories illustrating how meeting Him leads to profound transformation.

When Jesus reveals Himself to us and we accept Him as our Lord and Savior, He leaves a lasting mark on us. This does not mean He physically leaves a cross on our bodies, but signifies a transformation that endures. As followers of Christ, we strive to become more like Him, guided by Him along the way. Over time, others will notice this transformation. As the song says, “They will know we are Christians by our love.” Do those around us recognize our Christian faith? Are they surprised when they learn, or does it confirm what they already suspected?

This Palm Sunday and Holy Week, let us take time to reflect on and celebrate Jesus’ actions for us: His Last Supper with the disciples, His anguish and words in the Garden of Gethsemane, His betrayal, trials, crucifixion, and ultimately His resurrection. Let’s use this period to share this powerful message with others.

“Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

Take care,

Bill R