Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
This weekend is the final Sunday of Lent, and it marks the beginning of Holy Week. There will be two gospel readings this weekend, the first during the opening procession at Mass (The Solemn Entrance). In this gospel we will hear of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Then at Mass during the Liturgy of the Word, we’ll hear the account of Christ’s passion proclaimed. This year the Passion will be proclaimed from the Gospel of Matthew.
On the First Sunday of Lent the gospel reading was The Temptation of Jesus in the Desert. In this gospel Jesus tells us that “One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)
Jesus reminds us that we must seek spiritual nourishment from God's Word. This is especially true during Holy Week. The Word of God is our nourishment. It will lead us through Holy Week helping us to reflect on the mysteries of Christ's passion, death, and resurrection. By immersing ourselves in the Gospel, we allow the living Word if God to shape our hearts and prepare us to celebrate Easter with faith and gratitude.
Holy Week is an opportunity to encounter Jesus in the Scriptures, prayer, and participation in the Sacred Liturgies. The events of Holy Week are the climactic moments of our salvation. By participating in the liturgies this week, it will make these moments present to us, here and now.
In Paul’s Letter to the Philippians that we hear this weekend, Paul speaks of Jesus’ self-emptying love. Although he was God, Jesus took on our humanity and offered his life in humble obedience to the Father, accepting even death on a cross.
During Holy Week we reflect on the profound mystery of Jesus’ journey from His triumphal entry into Jerusalem to the agony of the cross. This journey of Jesus demonstrates His infinite love, a love that is selfless and sacrificial. Through his obedience and suffering, he shows us how to surrender ourselves fully to God’s will.
Holy Week offers us the opportunity to walk alongside Jesus and to meditate on the events of his death and resurrection: the Mass of the Lord’s Supper celebrated on Holy Thursday, the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night. Each of these liturgies reveals Christ’s selfless love and sacrifice.
By participating in the liturgies of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil, we encounter the depths of God’s mercy and are reminded of the hope that comes from Christ’s resurrection. During Holy Week our prayers and our participation in these liturgies will lead us to a deeper understanding of God’s love and prepare us to celebrate Easter with renewed joy.
Deacon Michael Braun