Palm Sunday Directions

Let us turn to the East.

In the East we honor the element of Air, and remember how Jesus climbed the Mount of Olives to be alone with his thoughts and his God. As Easter approaches, let us take time for silence and prayer in our own lives.

Let us turn to the South.

In the South we honor the element of Fire, and remember how Peter drew his sword and struck off a Roman soldier’s ear when they came to take Jesus. As Easter approaches, let us direct our own inner fires away from violence and anger, and channel it instead as Jesus did into the warmth of a healing touch.

Let us turn to the West.

In the West we honor the element of Water, and remember how Jesus knelt before his disciples to gently wash their feet. As Easter approaches, let us cultivate humility and compassion in our hearts, and recreate ourselves as servants of humanity.

Let us turn to the North.

In the North we honor the element of Earth, and remember how Jesus’ body was placed in a tomb, only to rise again. As Easter approaches, let us enter our inner places of darkness unafraid, so that we too may be transformed in the womb of the earth.

Let us turn to the Center.

At the Center we honor the element of Spirit, and remember how Jesus rode into Jerusalem to the waving of palms and the shouts of the crowd. As Easter approaches, let us fully celebrate our lives though suffering may lie ahead. May we embrace both joy and sorrow without fear. And as we move through Holy Week this year, may we strive as always to embody the spirit of Christ in the world. Amen.