When Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, he confronted both an oppressive political regime and a compromised religious establishment. Feeling the weight of Rome’s boot, throngs of people lined the street to remember who they were: a people called by God, beloved of God, who knew their inherent worth could never be taken from them. Their cry, “Hosanna!” (“Save us now!”) was both plea and joyous refrain.

Today, the need for authentic Christian witness is urgent. We will not sit by as our immigrant neighbors are hunted and our trans neighbors demonized. On Palm Sunday, we will remember who we are called to be: neighbors who need each other, neighbors who value each other, neighbors who will rise to catch stones thrown at members of our community.