This year on Sunday the 10th of April, we start the first day of Holy Week, which is historically the most sacred time of year. Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
In the book of Matthew, it states a large crowd placed their cloaks and palm branches across the road. It was common for Kings to ride a donkey as it symbolised peace. By Jesus choosing to ride a donkey into Jerusalem, it showed the crowd that he came with calm, peaceful intentions. As Jesus entered Jerusalem on the donkey, the crowds shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” Hosanna in the highest heaven!” This is now familiar as the Sanctus, an integral part of the Eucharistic Prayer during Mass.
For Christians, this day is a reminder of welcoming Jesus into our lives and to continue his mission, to spread the Good News of God. This is celebrated in Church by the blessing and procession of palm branches. These branches are sometimes kept and burned the following year for the ashes used on Ash Wednesday. Another significant aspect of the Ash Wednesday Mass is a reading from the Passion. The Passion Translation is a modern Bible translation, full of God’s heart and life-changing truth, helping to unfold the deep mysteries of the Scriptures.
Many Churches will incorporate the handing out of palm branches into their Mass. These branches, that have been blessed by the Priest, are then made into a cross. These are a reminder of Jesus’ victory over death.
Daily Readings
Procession: LUKE 19:28-40 First Reading: ISAIAH 50:4-7 Responsorial Psalm: PSALMS 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24 Second Reading: PHILIPPIANS 2:6-11 Verse before the Gospel: PHILIPPIANS 2:8-9 Gospel: LUKE 22:14-23:56