Two parades are coming to town today. Over on the far side of town, people are gathering to watch the grand arrival of the Roman Legion. Soldiers will march through the city gate with helmets gleaming in the sun; drums will beat out the rhythm of the soldiers’ steps; spears will be polished and carried at the ready; chariots will carry dignitaries. It will be a grand show.
Across town, through a lesser gate, a second procession will enter the city at approximately the same time. This one is made up of common, ordinary people walking with, surrounding, a man riding a donkey. He’s not dressed in formal attire and the animal he rides is very different from the ones the Romans use. The man’s name is Jesus, the young teacher who draws crowds everywhere he goes. Today it is predicted that the vast majority of city people will push and shove to see Jesus, rather than the Roman officials, and that they will line the roadway with palm branches. It is very likely that the Romans will know of this lesser parade and will take it as a direct confrontation to their power. It is inevitable. They won’t like it and they will probably make their displeasure known.
And they did.
Shining Spirit 
Raise your palm leaf.