On March 7, 1965, approximately 600 African Americans began a march from Selma, Alabama, to Montgomery in support of voting rights. As they attempted to peacefully cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, they were brutally attacked and beaten by state troopers and local lawmen. Broadcast live across the nation, “Bloody Sunday” triggered national outrage. Martin Luther King Jr., who had not been present for the march, issued a call for religious leaders to join in a peaceful, nonviolent march for freedom on Tuesday, March 9. People from across the nation descended upon Selma to join him. March 9 arrived and a crowd of thousands followed King from downtown Selma to the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Reaching the site of the Sunday attack, King and the marchers knelt to pray. After several minutes, King stood and, much to the surprise of those gathered, led the marchers back to Selma. Many were critical of King’s unexpected decision to turn the march around, to not press ahead toward confrontation on the road to Montgomery. They had come to march, not simply to pray and return to Selma. Two weeks would pass before King finally led the five-day march from Selma to Montgomery, this time with federal protection. Similarly, many reading this reflection will have an idea in mind about what Jesus’ “triumphal entry” is supposed to be. We come to march, right? It takes great planning to ensure that we have palm branches and brass and children’s choirs and ushers and bulletins outside so we can begin worship with a grand procession. Palm Sunday is a triumphant day, a day of celebration, a day well planned! ... Read the rest of the commentary on the website.
Thank you to this week's writer Matthew A. Rich. | 
