READINGS Isaiah 50:4-9a Matthew 21:1-11

“He who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me.” Isaiah 50:8

“Tell the daughters of Zion: look your King is coming to you, humble and mounted on a donkey and on a colt, the foal of donkey.”

Matthew 21:5

Reader 1: Today Christ comes in triumph to Jerusalem and crowds shout out his name – Hosanna! Hosanna in the Highest Heaven!

Reader 2: He comes not as a warrior, not as a politician – he comes riding on a donkey and

crowds shout out his name – Hosanna! Hosanna in the Highest Heaven!

Reader 1: We celebrate that our God has walked beside us on this Lenten journey – reassuring us,

gifting new life in unexpected places, bringing forth water in the wilderness and giving sight to the blind, speaking to us of resurrection hope.

Reader 2: We celebrate that our God is not a distant God, but the God of humility and love

who comes to bring peace.

Reader 1: Even though prosperity is possible and celebration close at hand, not everyone shares the wealth of natural resources in Papua New Guinea.

Reader 2: Large scale mining projects can bring much needed opportunity to communities, but they

also bring conflict. Our partner in Papua New Guinea, the United Church of PNG, is helping to build peace, improving communication between

communities, developers and the Papua New Guinea Government.

Reader 1: Today, as we commit to walking beside the Saviour who came in humility on a donkey, let us also commit to walking beside all those who walk the way of peace: our partners who painstakingly negotiate a better way in PNG,

ensuring that all can share the riches this planet provides.

Let us pray. God of the humble Today we join with all those who throughout the ages cry “Hosanna!” We join with those in turmoil, asking “Who is this?” And together we answer: “This is the prophet, Jesus.” With our brothers and sisters in Papua New Guinea We celebrate your presence among us – Challenging the powers and kingdoms of this world Overturning the tables of the money lenders Curing the blind and the lame Cultivating peace. May we follow in your path Even as it leads to death and beyond, to life in all its abundance. Amen.