Christians around the world celebrated Palm Sunday on April 13. In Palestine, many marked the occasion by wearing traditional clothing and carrying palm branches as they attended church services to begin Holy Week. This year, however, Palestinian Christians were once again denied worship permits by the Israeli military occupation authorities, preventing many from traveling to Jerusalem to participate in Palm Sunday celebrations. In Gaza, the Christian community observed Palm Sunday amid the devastation and ongoing horrors of war.
God of Resurrection, we, the living stones of this land, call out to you. Though few in number and burdened by sorrow, your people in Palestine remain steadfast, rooted in faith and resistance. In the face of occupation and despair, teach us to trust not in power, but in your justice. Though we dwell in the long silence of Holy Saturday, we proclaim the tomb is empty. Your resurrection is liberation, good news for the oppressed, a promise of new life amid ruins. Help us live that truth with courage until justice and peace rise from the land of your birth.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer