Readings: Is. 50:4-7;
Phil. 2:6-11; Lk. 22:14-23:56
Palm Sunday
1. Today is Palm Sunday, marking the beginning of Holy Week, a time filled with activities that culminate in the celebration of the resurrection of Christ. Palm Sunday was both a joyful, triumphant occasion and a day of turmoil for Jesus. As He entered Jerusalem riding a donkey, He was given a red-carpet reception. In various cultures, palm branches have traditionally been used to welcome royalty, symbolizing victory, triumph, peace, and eternal life. Therefore, Christ was celebrated as a victorious king in Jerusalem. Rather than riding a horse, which symbolizes war, Jesus chose a donkey, signifying peace and humility—the true hallmark of the king of peace. Notably, He rode a donkey that had never been sat upon, highlighting His royal status.
2. As
the Jews surrounded Him, they recalled the words of the Prophet Zechariah from
500 years earlier: “Exult greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout for joy, O
daughter Jerusalem! Behold your King is coming to you; a just Savior is he,
humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. He shall banish
the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem” (Zechariah
9:9-10). Pope Benedict XVI interpreted these words to illustrate that Jesus is
a king who embraces peace and simplicity—not one who incites violence or leads
a military revolt against Rome (Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week, Ignatius Press,
2011, pp. 81-82). People came out to welcome King Jesus, proclaiming, “Hosanna
to the Son of David!”
3. The
passion narrative showcases various responses to Jesus. Judas Iscariot betrayed
Him, Peter denied Him, and the other apostles fled in fear. The crowd expressed
mixed feelings about Jesus, and false witnesses rose against Him. The scribes
and Pharisees demanded His execution. Pilate condemned Him not only to a
painful death on the cross but also subjected Him to humiliation by having Him
flogged. While some women cried for Him, others despised and mocked Him. Holy
Week was a time of great suffering for Jesus, who endured it for our sake. The
joyous cry of “Hosanna to the Son of David” turned to shouts of “Away
with Him, crucify Him.” Yet, Jesus rode into Jerusalem filled with love
and forgiveness, even praying for His torturers. As St. Paul reminds us, “For
our sake he (God) made him to be sin who did not know sin, so that we might
become the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). “He
emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and
found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point
of death, even death on a cross” (second reading). Jesus reminds us, “Greater
love than this no man has, that a man should lay down his life for his friends”
(John 15:13).
4. Even among the hostility, there were acts of kindness shown to Jesus. Simon helped him carry the cross, Veronica wiped His face, and the women of Jerusalem wept for Him. One soldier offered Him wine—albeit vinegar—when He was thirsty. His mother and other women remained at the foot of the cross, and Joseph of Arimathea offered his new tomb for His burial. What would you have done for Him if you were there? You can still do something for Him now. Remember, “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Which character reflects your relationship with Jesus? Are you with Him or against Him?
5. Following His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, Christ gathered His apostles for a farewell meal, the first Eucharist, instituting the sacred priesthood. This act embodied brotherly love and included the new commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:13). This celebration occurs on Holy Thursday during the Mass of the Last Supper. On Good Friday, we venerate the Cross of our salvation. Jesus says, “When I am lifted up from the earth, I shall draw everyone to myself” (John 12:32). As the Lenten hymn reminds us, “O Cross of Christ, immortal tree, on which our Savior died, the world is sheltered by your arms that bore the Crucified.” On Holy Saturday, we await at the tomb of Jesus in anticipation of Easter Sunday, when we will celebrate His resurrection. “O happy fault that earned so great, so glorious a Redeemer!” (Exultet).
6. Are
we ready to reciprocate Christ’s love by committing ourselves to this week of
grace? Let us express our gratitude to Christ for His love. As we celebrate
Palm Sunday today, we look forward with joy to the celebration of Christ’s
resurrection and our freedom from sin and death. Amen!
Rev. Augustine
Etemma Inwang, MSP
