believe? Palms? Parade?

"Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields."  Mark 8:11

I love a parade!  What about you - do you enjoy parades?  I have marched, in a few (I was in the band in high school), and watched a few - on TV and standing on the sidewalk.  I have even been able, many years ago (I was 10 or 11 and the MN Gophers were playing in the Rose Bowl) been able to sit on the curb and see the whole Rose Parade.  I must admit, however, I prefer to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving, and the Rose, Parade on TV sitting in my chair with my knitting!

Our Gospel reading, this morning, is the recounting of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.  The Disciples have found a colt, just as Jesus said, and brought it to Jesus.  They have put "cloaks" (v. 7) on the colt and Jesus is riding said colt.  People are excited with some going "ahead" and some "following" but all "shouted "Hosanna!  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" (v. 9)  The branches they "cut in the fields" (v. 8) is where we get the 'palm branches' from as we celebrate "Palm Sunday."  Each year, as we celebrate this entry into Jerusalem, I can't help but wonder about the people watching and the shop owners along the way.  Did they understand what was happening?  Did they believe?  Did they shout "Hosanna!"?

As caregivers we are often the ones observing what is happening around us.  Do we participate?  Do we believe and celebrate?  Do we really believe Jesus entered Jerusalem, on a colt with people waiving palm branches and shouting "Hosanna!"?  If we really believe it do other people see our belief?