As Jesus entered Jerusalem, a peaceful parade wove its way through the streets, filled with cries of longing and hope. The people called out for a better world, believing in the promise of something greater. Their voices, born from deep hope, could not be silenced. Today, we are called to carry that same hope—to listen to the voices of the oppressed, the marginalized, and the mistreated, and to remain attentive to the movement of the Holy Spirit. In our songs of praise and in the quiet moments of listening to our neighbors, the Holy Spirit continues to speak. May we listen, pay attention, and proclaim, “Hosanna!”

Everything in Between Legalism and Piety

April 7, 2025
Rev. Jinwoo Chun

God’s commandments are given for our well-being and wholeness, both individually and communally. Yet, throughout history, people have misused them—turning them into rigid legalism or manipulating them for selfish purposes. Jesus challenges these distortions, calling us to live out God’s commandments in a way that reflects their true purpose: love, justice, and grace. What does it mean to faithfully follow God’s word, not through manipulation or empty rule-following, but by embracing the life-giving purpose behind God’s commands?