Palm Sunday: Joy!

Today, Palm Sunday, we celebrate the triumphal entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem. We, as the disciples of the Lord, are filled with joy—a joy that arises from Jesus, coming to meet us, wherever we are; coming to forgive us, whatever we have done; coming to die for us, that we might live.



28After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, 30"Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' tell him, 'The Lord needs it.' "
32Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. 33As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, "Why are you untying the colt?"

34They replied, "The Lord needs it."
35They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. 36As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.
37When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:
38"Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
39Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!"
40"I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." (Luke 19:28-40)

The Gospel on Palm Sunday is the start of the Passion of Christ—beginning with His triumphal entrance into Jerusalem, taking Him through the institution of the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper, to the Agony in the Garden, and through the sorrowful mysteries leading up to His death on a cross. Entering into the city, Jesus knew all of this. He knew what lied in store for Him, just as we not know what he suffered willingly for us. And that is the source of our joy. The love of God was such that he thirsted for us, thirsted so much so that he gave His life. And we joyously greet Him, when He comes to us.

But what do we do next? Just as the residents of Jerusalem—the very residents that line the streets with their cloaks and palm branches, in fulfillment of the prophecy of Zechariah—turn on Jesus. They turn their backs on Him. They turn away from Him. How many times have we done the same? And yet, the Lord keeps calling to us, coming to us. He rides peacefully into our lives in victory and triumph over death, and we only need accept Him—not with palms and procession, but with joy in our hearts.

Pope Benedict XVI, on Palm Sunday in 2007, spoke of this joy, the joy of the suffering Christ. He said, “In the Palm Sunday procession we join with the crowd of disciples who in festive joy accompany the Lord during his entry into Jerusalem. Like them, we praise the Lord with a loud voice for all the miracles we have seen, how he gives men and women the courage to oppose violence and deceit, to make room for truth in the world; to bring about reconciliation where there had been hatred and to create peace where enmity had reigned. The procession is first and foremost a joyful witness that we bear to Jesus Christ, in whom the Face of God became visible to us and thanks to whom the Heart of God is open to us. Thus, the procession of the Palms is also a procession of Christ the King: we profess the Kingship of Jesus Christ, we recognize Jesus as the Son of David, the true Solomon, the King of peace and justice. We submit to him because his authority is the authority of the truth. The procession of the Palms – as it was at that time for the disciples – is primarily an expression of joy because we are able to recognize Jesus, because he allows us to be his friends and because he has given us the key to life. This joy, however, which is at the beginning, is also an expression of our “yes” to Jesus and our willingness to go with him wherever he takes us.”

We follow Jesus, on this joyous occasion, wherever He takes us. And in the coming week, He takes us with Him, on His journey to the cross. He takes us with Him, including our sins. And there, on the cross, He hangs them so that we might not be weighted down by our transgressions, and instead, meet Him joyfully at the glory of the Resurrection!

Wishing you all a blessed Holy Week.





Day 87 of 365
Prayer Intentions: Joyful hearts in the face of sorrow; Preparation for Holy Week.
Requested Intentions: For Healing (A); The blessing of children (S); Safety of travelers (J); Improved family relationship with the Lord, using gifts for His glory (L); For a restorative, faith-deepening Lent for all those who are struggling (L).