12The next day the great crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem.                          13So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna!
 Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord — the King of Israel!"
14Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it; as it is written:
15"Do not be afraid, daughter of Zion.  Look, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!"
16His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written of him and had been done to him.                                                                                            (John 12:12-16)

As I think about this reading for Palm/Passion Sunday, it’s striking how much misunderstanding and confusion that comes into this narrative. Even Jesus' disciples did not fully understand the significance of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. They waved their palm branches alongside the crowd, but underneath their outward expressions of praise lingered a sense of uncertainty and doubt.

In many ways, I find myself resonating with the disciples' experience. How often do we find ourselves caught up in the moment, only to realize later that we didn't fully comprehend the depth of what was unfolding in front of us? Like the disciples, we may wave our own metaphorical palm branches and sing songs of praise without fully understanding the implications of our worship.

Within the confusion and uncertainty, there was a glimmer of hope. The turning point was when the disciples remembered. It's a reminder that hindsight often brings clarity, allowing us to see past our initial misunderstandings and grasp the deeper truths that lie beneath the surface.

As we journey through Holy Week, I am challenged to consider where I stand in the crowd. Am I wholeheartedly joining in the songs of loudest praise, or am I hesitating on the sidelines, unsure of what it truly means to follow Jesus? The invitation to remember extends beyond simply recalling past events; it calls us to engage with the present moment and consider how we are responding to the call of discipleship in our own lives.

Like Peter, we have walked on a journey filled with highs and lows, moments of bold faith and heartbreaking doubt. Yet, even in the midst of our uncertainties, we are called to trust in the promise of resurrection that awaits us. As we remember the songs of loudest praise on this Palm/Passion Sunday, may we find the courage to embrace the fullness of God's grace and walk boldly into the days ahead, knowing that our faith some days will be challenged and ultimately restored through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Amen.