Palm Sunday Reflection – Holy Week Begins
Picture yourself in a crowded square, the temple stands before you. But so do soldiers. Chaos and fear seem to be everywhere. But this is the Passover Festival, and everyone is full of joy and excitement. Their fears are put aside. Suddenly everyone’s voices get louder with excitement and you strain to see why, perhaps pushing your way through the crowd.
Sitting on a small donkey is Jesus of Nazareth, the one promised through the ages, the Messiah. His miracles, and his message of love and forgiveness have all preceded his arrival into Jerusalem. Are you too, seeking him, just hoping to catch a glimpse of him?
We throw palm branches to welcome him and cry Hosanna to the Son of David! Hosanna!
Today is Palm Sunday. We recall Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Our Mass today begins with the blessing of the palms to unite us to our Lord’s arrival. Yet, as we continue, our Readings and Psalm for the day, give us a glimpse of what is to come only one short week away. We are to unite ourselves to the Passion of our Lord. Do we cry “Crucify Him” only one week from praising him with our cry of “Hosanna”? Is our relationship with Jesus an inconvenience like it was for Pilate, or are we striving to deepen our friendship with Him?
Today, how can we welcome Jesus into our homes as he was welcomed in Jerusalem? We are invited to set time aside today and throughout this Holy Week for God. Perhaps sing your favourite church hymn together, pray the Rosary, read the Gospel together as a family (Matthew 26.14-27:66). Go for a walk praising God for this beautiful world he has given us. Remember that Jesus has done all this for love of us.