It is okay, even appropriate to feel joy on Palm Sunday. The joy we hear about in the gospel is not a happy moment nor a fleeting smile that passes. It is rooted in the cross, pain, disappointment and suffering. It is founded on a promise from God that Christ is with us in the midst of our trials and chaos. Because God never promises to alleviate us or protect us from pain; faith is not a free pass. Instead, God demonstrates through Christ that wherever we find ourselves, our LORD is there, too. So be joyful because Christ is here!
It is okay, even appropriate to feel joy on Palm Sunday. The joy we hear about in the gospel is not a happy moment nor a fleeting smile that passes. It is rooted in the cross, pain, disappointment and suffering. It is founded on a promise from God that Christ is with us in the midst of our trials and chaos. Because God never promises to alleviate us or protect us from pain; faith is not a free pass. Instead, God demonstrates through Christ that wherever we find ourselves, our LORD is there, too. So be joyful because Christ is here!