Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday

Today the Church celebrates Palm Sunday – a day foretold by the prophet Zechariah – when Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey on a road lined with palm branches … while the people shouted “hosanna to the Son of David” … “blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” … “hosanna in the highest”.

Jesus knew that his end was near – that his time was almost up – he warned his disciples that this trip to Jerusalem would be his last …

He told them that the Son of Man would be handed over to the chief priests and scribes and that they would condemn him to death and hand him over to the gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified … and that he would be raised on the third day … but they didn’t understand …

Jesus knew that this was his father’s will … he knew that this was what it would take to conquer death and free this world from the slavery of sin … but he was afraid … three times he prayed to His Father that if it were possible, to let this cup pass from Him – but that the Father’s will not his be done …

So Jesus came obediently, he came humbly riding on a donkey – he came in peace – he was a king – the king of peace – he showed us that he came not to destroy but to build up; he came not to condemn us but to free us; he came not with power and might but in the strength of love; he came not to rule but to serve; he came not for glory but for salvation. Jesus showed us the way to the Father – he won for us on His cross the possibility of eternal life.

So it is right when we join our voices with those of the choirs of angels and pray: holy, holy, holy lord god of power and might, heaven and earth are filled with your glory … hosanna in the highest … blessed is he who comes in the name of the lord … hosanna in the highest.

Today the Church celebrates Palm Sunday – also known as Passion Sunday – today marks the opening of Holy Week that culminates in the Triduum – Holy Thursday with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Good Friday with the Veneration of the Cross, the Easter Vigil and finally Easter Sunday.

It is a week rich in scripture – a week full of emotion and if we allow it – it can change our hearts … we are called to enter into the experience and walk with Jesus during the holiest week in the liturgical year and to let the importance of these days take root in us – we must listen with open hearts – allowing the words of scripture to transform us …

And if we do that we will find the strength and courage and perseverance that we need to carry our cross – to embrace our cross – as Jesus embraced His cross … as we are called to do … and there is no better way to prepare ourselves to be transformed this week than the sacrament of reconciliation …

Though he was God – he humbled himself and became man … Though he was God – he emptied himself upon the cross – he did not rebel … he did not turn back … and because of this God greatly exalted him … so at the name of Jesus every knee should bend and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. My brothers and sisters, please take advantage of this special time of the year … amen!