The shocking thing about the story of Jesus is that it turns common wisdom on its head. It is not the story of a child born in a palace to rich powerful parents, but a child born in a stable to a poor carpenter and his wife. And when, having preached all around the countryside, he decided that he would ride into the local capital city, Jerusalem, he didn’t ride on a fine powerful horse, but on a donkey – the lowliest beast of burden, in solidarity with the poor and oppressed of the city.

All: Hosanna to the heir of the house of David

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord

Hosanna in the highest

The people had heard he was coming and gathered at the side of the road and threw down palm branches on to the road in front of him

All: Hosanna to the heir of the house of David

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord

Hosanna in the highest

Despite the fact he knew he was likely to be going to his death, at the hands of the civil and religious authorities in Jerusalem, he rode unafraid

All: Hosanna to the heir of the house of David

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord

Hosanna in the highest.

In following him, let us also show our solidarity with the poor and oppressed of this city

All: Hosanna to the heir of the house of David

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord

Hosanna in the highest.