Palm Sunday: Marching towards the Salvation of Humanity

 Passion/Palm Sunday: March 02, 2023

Readings: Matthew 21:1-11; Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24; Philippians 2:6-11; Matthew 26:14—27:66

(Photo courtesy: Jean Marc Arkelian)

To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/XsHjqQy9oLE

Passion Sunday, also known as Palm Sunday, is a significant day in the Christian calendar. It falls on the Sunday before Easter and marks the beginning of Holy Week, which leads up to Easter Sunday. The day commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where he rode on a donkey while his followers including his disciples waved olive branches and shouted "Hosanna!" It is also the day when the Passion narrative, which tells the story of Jesus' arrest, trial, crucifixion, and death, is read in our churches. Today we mark the most solemn and holy time of the year in the Christian calendar.

1. Following the master in his wishes:

The significance of Passion Sunday lies in its representation of the beginning of the final week of Jesus' life on earth. The triumphal entry into Jerusalem is seen as a fulfillment of the prophecy in the Old Testament, and Jesus' willingness to suffer and die on the cross is seen as the ultimate act of love and sacrifice for humanity. By entering into Holy Week and reflecting on Jesus' Passion, we are invited to deepen our understanding of Jesus' teachings and to renew our commitment to follow him. It is a time for reflection, repentance, and preparation for the celebration of Easter Sunday, which marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the ultimate triumph of love and life over death and sin.

2. It represents Jesus' humility and kingship: 

Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, rather than a horse or chariot, was a symbol of his humility and meekness. It was a humble act that demonstrated his submission to God's will. Christians today can learn from this example by seeking to submit their lives to God's will and follow Jesus' teachings of love, forgiveness, and service. At the same time, it was also a symbol of his kingship, as a donkey was the mount of choice for royalty and dignitaries in ancient times. In fact, king David used donkey as his vehicle. 

3. It foreshadows Jesus' death and resurrection: 

The events of Palm Sunday are seen as foreshadowing Jesus' death and resurrection. Just as Jesus was celebrated as a king upon his entry into Jerusalem but then later condemned and put to death, so too would he rise again in triumph over death and sin. In fact, it is the ultimate victory of Jesus Christ over sin and death. His death and resurrection opened the way for all people to experience salvation and eternal life.

3. It emphasizes the importance of community:

The crowds that greeted Jesus on Palm Sunday were made up of people from all walks of life who had come together to welcome him. This underscores the importance of community and the role that it plays in our spiritual lives. It also reminds us that our faith is not just a personal matter, but something that we share with others. We must profess our faith in public as well.

4. It calls us to action:

Palm Sunday is a reminder that our faith calls us to action, not just belief. As we reflect on Jesus' Passion, we are called to follow in his footsteps and to live lives of love, compassion, and service to others.  The women, Simon of Cyrene, and Joseph of Arimathea are the ones who come to Jesus' rescue. This is especially important in the modern world, where so many people are suffering from poverty, oppression, and injustice. Christians today can find hope and assurance in this message, knowing that they too can share in the victory of Jesus Christ by placing their faith in him.

5. It sets the stage for Holy Week:

Passion Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, which is the most sacred time of the year for Christians. The events of Holy Week, including the Last Supper, the betrayal by Judas, the trial and crucifixion of Jesus, and his resurrection on Easter Sunday, are the foundational events of the Christian faith.

6. It highlights the importance of prophecy:

The events of Palm Sunday were prophesied in the Old Testament, particularly in Zechariah 9:9, which describes the coming of a king riding on a donkey. This highlights the importance of prophecy in the Christian faith and underscores the belief that Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

7. It reminds us of Jesus' humanity:

While Jesus is often portrayed as a divine figure, the events of Palm Sunday remind us that he was also fully human. He experienced joy and celebration, as well as suffering and rejection. This underscores the importance of Jesus' humanity in the Christian faith and emphasizes the idea that Jesus can relate to our human experiences.

8. It invites us to participate in the story:

The Passion narrative is often read in Christian churches on Passion Sunday, and this invites us to participate in the story of Jesus' suffering and death. As we hear the story, we are called to reflect on our own lives and to consider how we can better follow Jesus' example of love, sacrifice, and service. The cries of "Hosanna!" that greeted Jesus on Palm Sunday can be translated as "Save us, we pray!" They are a celebration of the coming of the kingdom of God and a recognition of Jesus as the savior of humanity.

9. It reflects that wickedness can destroy any good:

Matthew 26:14–27:66 is a passage, which highlights the political and religious tensions that existed in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. The Jewish authorities were threatened by Jesus' teachings and popularity and sought to have him arrested and put to death. Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' disciples, betrayed him to the authorities for thirty pieces of silver. This highlights the corrupt nature of greed and the power struggles that can arise in human relationships.

10. God's presence even in the midst of evil:

 Jesus' arrest and trial demonstrate the unfairness and injustice that can occur in the world. Jesus was innocent of any wrongdoing, yet he was falsely accused and sentenced to death. This reminds Christians that even in the face of unjust treatment, they should trust in God and follow the example of Jesus, who remained faithful and obedient to God's will. Despite the challenges and suffering he faced, Jesus trusted in God's will and remained committed to his mission. This example encourages Christians to trust in God's plan for their lives, even when it may be difficult or unclear because evil may appear to be dominant. 

On this Passion Sunday we are encouraged by the power of faith and the perseverance of Jesus. Jesus faced great opposition and suffering in the days leading up to his crucifixion, but he never wavered in his commitment to his mission. God's love for humanity is undemolishable. Our ultimate destiny is eternal life with God.  Christians today can draw strength from Jesus' example as they face their own challenges and struggles, trusting in God's power to sustain them. Even when we live in our own country with political and religious tensions, what we can carry with us is God's love, sacrifice, perseverance, faithfulness, and ultimate victory over sin and death, because ultimately, God wins!

Prayer: 

Dear God,

As we turn to you in prayer today, we are reminded of the words of Psalm 22. We join with the psalmist in crying out to you, saying: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?"

Lord, we know that you are a God of love and mercy, and we trust in your faithfulness and goodness. We ask that you would be with us in our times of trial and suffering, and that you would help us to trust in you even when we cannot see your hand at work. May we take comfort in knowing that you have not abandoned us, but that you are always with us, even in the darkest of moments. Help us to cling to your promises and to find our strength and hope in you alone. In Jesus' Holy Name, we pray, Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

March 30, 2023