Palm Sunday

Yesterday was Palm Sunday. I went to church while visiting with my mom in Houston. I grew up in church, and while I am not a big believer of religion, I believe in spirituality. I am not here to convert you, I promise, but I do want to share something very profound the moment I heard it.

Because it was Palm Sunday, the pastor spoke about the events that happened to Jesus. He rode in on a donkey, they waved palms symphonizing acceptance and peace, and that night Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane after the Lord’s Supper.

In the garden, Jesus asked 3 of his disciples to keep watch while he prayed. Jesus’ spirit was so heavy he asked God, His Father, to help his heart full of sorrow. Jesus said His heart was so full He was almost dying from it. When Jesus got up from praying, He questioned his disciples who were steps away why they had not stayed up with Him.

What I though…

I heard this story several times before. You usually it takes the route about those who are closest to you will still betray you like Judas. I have even heard that when thing get tough some people, although willing, just can not stick it out, like Peter. But this was a view I never thought about or most importantly never thought I’d hear coming from a pulpit.

What I heard…

The pastor talked about how alone Jesus felt while his closest followers were steps away. He spoke about Jesus’ weakness and sorrow to the point of death. This was new for Jesus; a complete emotional shift and he begged to be free of it. The pastor was speaking of depression.

I never saw the story going there, and I went to a variety of parochial schools growing up, and yet it made so much sense. Jesus felt detached from those who were closest to Him even though they were steps away. The heaviness he felt had him on the brink of death was similar to the suicidal thoughts a person may have. This was powerful because I know lately everyone in my circle, including me, has gone through emotional isolation.

The pastor ended the sermon saying we must stay strong because we are needed here still on earth. These low points come to remind us to remain humble and that we all need help sometimes.

So stay strong, reach out for help, and understand that we are here.