Yesterday, like many Christians around the world, I waved my palm branches as I processed around the church sanctuary and shouted, “Hosanna!” in honor of Jesus’s “Triumphal Entry” into Jerusalem. The gathered congregation welcomed Jesus, the King of Kings, into the safety of our sacred space. We sang praise songs, we prayed prayers of thanksgiving, we read the Scriptures and listened to Rev. Lindsey Long’s sermon.

The sermon started with a provocative assessment: “Palm Sunday was a well-organized protest march.” Think about it: the “King” riding on a donkey (subverting a Roman military parade); the Palms (a proud symbol of marginalized identity waved in defiance); the chants (“Blessed is the One who comes in the Name of the Lord!”–a direct challenge to the “ones” who come in the name of Empire.) No wonder the authorities tried to stop the event. We know that even peaceful protests can be met with violent resistance. Palm Sunday could have easily turned into “Bloody Sunday.”

Most Palm Sunday worship services end with a Benediction and congregants filing out of the church with their palms in tow to return to the comfort and safety of their homes. Not this one. We took our palms and followed Jesus and the donkey (OK, they were people in costumes) through the streets to protest the policies and executive orders that are dismantling the programs and protections of those who are most vulnerable in our community: Families who depend on SNAP benefits, children who rely on MedicAID, migrants who are being illegally deported without due process, people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ folk who are villainized and devalued. But we also announced the coming of the ONE who is the Way, the Truth and the Life and the Good News of the arrival kingdom of heaven where ALL God’s creatures thrive through the reign of God.

Pastor Lindsey reminded us that protest is a holy act. It is using our feet and our voices to denounce the workings of the principalities and powers and to announce the Good News of shalom and salvation to all of creation. So, keep your palms, put on your walking shoes and practice your chants.

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7 – NLT)

It’s time for some Holy Protest.

On Saturday, April 19, in cities and towns across the nation, people will be taking to the streets in an act of resistance to the cruel and destructive acts of this administration. Locate a rally close to you HERE. Search for your city or zip code.