Palm Sunday of Lent
April 13, 2025
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 | Luke 19:28- 40
Palm Sunday of Lent Devotion
by Ben Bigcraft
Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage in South Africa
On March 21, 2024, a Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage in solidarity with those suffering in the war in Gaza was held in Cape Town, South Africa. Participants from multiple faiths gathered to call for an immediate ceasefire and the return of hostages.
According to Daily Voice, the walk began at 7:00 AM and included stops for reflection and multifaith prayer at several locations along the route. Pilgrims either completed the entire 41 km walk or joined for portions.
Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimages have taken place across the world since James Harris, a Kiwi who partnered with Palestinian Christians in Australia, raised relief funds while walking for 41 km, representing the length of the Gaza Strip. The initial walk grew into a global network of Christian groups walking in prayerful solidarity during the season of Lent.
The Cape Town pilgrimage took place on South Africa’s Human Rights Day and drew support from multiple faith groups. Daily Voice reported that the SA Jews for a Free Palestine led prayers in Plumstead and a demonstration was held outside Claremont Main Road Mosque, which also welcomed participants inside for refreshments during the walk.
Mansour Shouman, a Palestinian-Canadian journalist at the mosque, told Daily Voice, “In Sha Allah, despite not being there physically, we’re just getting started and with your support, people in South Africa, people around the world, we can continue to ensure that this genocide ends as soon as possible, a ceasefire happens, aid reaches everywhere and we free Palestine, including the West Bank as well.”
Resident and participant Maurietta Stewart told the Daily Voice: “One feels powerless, and being present in my body and walking seems to be a way of praying and meditation, and having solidarity with others with the same mind and heart, with the hope that the genocide will end soon.”
A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas continues as hostages and prisoners begin to return to their homes. The details of the future of the Strip are unclear as world leaders continue to discuss options and the toll of the war on Gaza’s people, infrastructure, and economy comes into focus. Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimages will continue into this 2025 season of Lent to advocate for Palestinians in both Gaza and the West Bank.
Ben Bigcraft is a recent graduate of the University of Utah with a B.S. in International Studies and minors in Middle East Studies and Arabic. Ben has experience in humanitarian and mission work domestically and abroad and has a particular interest in restoration, healing, and peace for those affected by conflicts, especially in the Middle East. He is also passionate about promoting understanding between people across ethnic, religious, and cultural lines through storytelling.
To read the previous devotional click here: https://cmep.org/prayers4peace5thsundayoflent/