Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, commemorating Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem and the start of His Passion. This solemn yet joyful day reminds us of the contrast between the crowds who praised Jesus as King and those who later called for His crucifixion.
At the beginning of Mass, palms are blessed and distributed, recalling how the people waved palm branches and laid them on the road as Jesus entered Jerusalem, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah:
“Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matthew 21:9)
However, as the Mass progresses, the focus shifts to the Passion of Christ, preparing us for His suffering, death, and ultimate victory through the Resurrection.
Themes of Palm Sunday:
- Christ’s Kingship: Jesus enters Jerusalem as the humble yet victorious Messiah.
- The Cost of Discipleship: The fickle nature of the crowd challenges us to reflect on our own faithfulness to Christ.
- Jesus’ Suffering and Sacrifice: The Passion narrative reminds us of the depth of His love and the price of our redemption.
Event Highlights:
- Blessing & Procession with Palms: The faithful gather outside the church for the blessing of palms before processing inside.
- Reading of the Passion Narrative: The Gospel recounts Christ’s suffering and death, inviting us to meditate on His sacrifice.
- Reflection on Christ’s Humility & Obedience: A homily will explore how Jesus accepted His Passion out of love for humanity.
- Invitation to Enter Holy Week with Prayer & Fasting: A call to accompany Jesus in His journey to the Cross through deeper prayer and acts of charity.
As we enter Holy Week, may we walk with Jesus, remaining faithful to Him in both joy and suffering, as we prepare for the glorious celebration of Easter.
All are welcome to join in this solemn and sacred liturgy.