Entry into Jerusalem
Pietro Lorenzetti, 1320

My dear friends,

Today we turn our minds to Psalm 118, the Psalm reading for Palm Sunday, the day marking Jesus Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem. In particular, we will examine verses 19, 22, 24, and 29 closely for guidance in our own spiritual growth.

This is an invitation to the journey of spiritual transformation. The true gate to righteousness is the cultivation of a compassionate heart. When we open the gate of our hearts, we are not only opening ourselves to the divine but also to all sentient beings. The act of giving thanks to the Lord echoes the importance of gratitude in our lives. When we cultivate gratitude, we humbly acknowledge the interconnectedness of all things, fostering an understanding of our indebtedness to all in the great web of life.

This is a powerful reflection of the transformative power of love and compassion. Jesus, who was rejected by many during his lifetime, became the cornerstone of a faith that has guided billions. This verse also reminds us of the Buddha's teachings on the importance of seeing the inherent potential within all beings, even those we may initially reject or overlook. Every sentient being has the potential for enlightenment, just as every stone has the potential to become a cornerstone.

This verse resonates deeply with the teachings of mindfulness. Each day is a gift, a precious opportunity for us to grow spiritually, to practice kindness, and to cultivate peace within ourselves and in the world. To rejoice and be glad in the day is to embrace the present moment fully, with mindfulness and joy.

Here we are reminded of the enduring and unchanging nature of divine love. Similarly, Mahayana Buddhism teaches the concept of Bodhicitta, the awakened heart, which is characterized by an unchanging love and compassion for all sentient beings. This steadfast love, like the love of God in this verse, is enduring, persistent, and unconditional.

These teachings share a common theme: the journey towards a compassionate heart, the potential in all beings, the joy in the present moment, and the enduring nature of divine love. These are universal teachings that can guide us in our lives, regardless of our faith or belief.

As we remember Palm Sunday, let us open the gates of our hearts with gratitude, see the potential in every 'stone' around us, rejoice in the beauty of each day, and cultivate the enduring love that binds us all. Through such understanding and practice, we can contribute to a more peaceful and compassionate world.