Toasting Peeps

This time last year, Easter was over and we were enjoying a break with good friends in Virginia. We were introduced to something that seems to be an integral part of an American Easter - marshmallow peeps! Cute, coloured marshmallow chicks and bunnies. We decided to barbecue some. As they caught the flames, the psychedelic colours produced testified to all the unnatural chemicals they contained.
Cute, but not harmless.
Preparing to celebrate Palm Sunday and, in doing that, give some hint of the Passion that is to follow the image of burning peeps keeps flashing into my mind. Not helpful - except as a reminder that, hidden in amongst the cuteness of children waving palm branches and singing Hosanna! is the barb of a crown of thorns. Before we get to that celebration of Christ rising from the tomb at Easter, involving fluffy chicks and bunnies and even marshmallow peeps, we must first witness Christ's death on the cross - in love for us.