Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
1. The Commemoration of the Lord’s Entrance into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11; John 12:13)
Palm Sunday, also known as Passion Sunday, marks the beginning of Holy Week. It is the most sacred period in the Christian calendar. On this day, the Church commemorates the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, where the crowd welcomed Him with palm branches, crying out: “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” (John 12:13). This joyful procession, reenacted in our liturgy, is not merely historical; it is spiritual. It invites us to welcome Christ into our lives as King and Saviour.
2.What does the Palm symbolize?
The palm branch is a universal symbol of victory, triumph, and peace. In ancient Roman and Jewish cultures, palms were used in victory processions and given as rewards in public games. In African culture and in most of our local communities, the palm branch symbolizes peace, victory, protection, and life. It is often used to mark sacred spaces, celebrate triumph, and signify spiritual authority. Palm branches are also placed at entrances or along paths to signify protection or to ward off evil, making them symbols of spiritual security and divine covering. This idea also resonates with the Christian tradition, Palm represent Christ’s victory over sin and death, and the triumph of martyrs who remained faithful to the end. Ancestors who were heroic had palm fronds on their grave; the same with Martyrs. When we carry palms, we proclaim that Christ has conquered, and we are called to share in that victory. We become witnesses of his victory and boldly proclaim Him as Saviour.
- What happens to the Palm after Sunday?
The blessed palms are sacramentals, meaning they are sacred signs that prepare us to receive grace. They should not be discarded carelessly. Instead, they are kept reverently, often made into crosses, and later burned to produce ashes for Ash Wednesday of the following year. This beautifully connects victory (Palm Sunday) with repentance (Ash Wednesday); a full cycle of Christian life. This Liturgical gesture is also prophetic in character as it expressed in us the grace of seeing the coming year.
- The Message of the Gospel: “Untie Him and Bring Him” (Matthew 21:2-3)
In the Gospel, Jesus instructs His disciples to untie a colt and bring it to Him, saying, “The Lord has need of it.” This seemingly simple act carries a deep spiritual meaning. The colt, tied and unused, represents every human person created with a purpose but often held back by life’s burdens. Many today are “tied” by sin, fear, addiction, guilt, or societal pressures. Yet, Christ still says: “Untie him… untie her… I have need of them.” Palm Sunday becomes a call to freedom; a call to allow Jesus to use our lives for His divine purpose. No matter your past or present condition, God has a plan for you.
- Understanding Holy Week (The Passion Week): Holy Week recalls the final seven days of Jesus’ earthly life and the unfolding of the Paschal Mystery – His Passion, Death, and Resurrection.
Palm Sunday: Jesus enters Jerusalem as King.
Holy Monday: Jesus is anointed at Bethany.
Holy Tuesday: Jesus predicts His betrayal and Peter’s denial.
Holy Wednesday: Judas agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.
Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday): Institution of the Eucharist and the priesthood.
Good Friday: Jesus suffers, dies on the Cross, and is buried.
Holy Saturday: Jesus descends to the dead; the Church waits in silence.
This week is not just to be remembered; it is to be lived spiritually. We are invited to walk with Christ, to suffer with Him, so as to rise with Him.
- Reflection on the Passion Narrative (Matthew 26:14-27:66; Isaiah 50:4-7; Philippians 2:6-11; Psalm 22)
The readings of Palm Sunday shift dramatically from joy to suffering. Isaiah presents the Suffering Servant, who endures insult without retaliation. The Psalm echoes the cry of abandonment, while Saint Paul reminds us that Christ, though divine, humbled Himself; even to death on a cross, and was exalted. In the Passion narrative, we see two contrasting responses to sin and suffering: Judas, fell into despair after his sin. Jesus, remained faithful and hopeful in the Father. See, never despair of God’s mercy, no matter your sin. Never lose hope, no matter your suffering. Humility, endurance, and trust in God are the path to true exaltation.
- The Great Contrast: From “Hosanna” to “Crucify Him”
One of the most common errors of Palm Sunday celebration is the idea that the same people who shouted “Hosanna!” later cried “Crucify Him!” While this contrast is leaves us with a lesson on human’s divided loyalty, it is important to state that from the Gospels it was not the same people or crowd. The fact of scriptures shows that when Jesus entered Jerusalem (Matt. 21:1-11), the crowd shouting “Hosanna!” was largely made up of pilgrims, disciples, and ordinary people who admired Him; many of them from Galilee. However, during His trial and crucifixion (Matt. 27:20-23), the crowd crying “Crucify Him!” was stirred up by the chief priests and elders, likely consisting of a different group influenced by religious authorities. Nevertheless, the shift from “Hosanna” to “Crucify Him” goes to reveal that human can move from praise to rejection when circumstances change.
As Saint Bernard of Clairvaux reflects: “What a contrast between the green branches and the cross, between the flowers and the thorns!” This reveals a painful truth: Human loyalty can be unstable. Faith can be inconsistent. We are faithful today, unfaithful tomorrow. Palm Sunday challenges us to examine our sincerity and remain steadfast in our commitment to Christ. It calls us to uncompromised loyalty (Ruth 1:16).
- As we begin Holy Week; welcome Jesus genuinely into your heart. Break free from whatever holds you bound. Remain faithful; not only in moments of joy but also in trials; do not be carried away by praise, nor discouraged by suffering; and if you follow Christ in His Passion, you will share in His Resurrection. Palm Sunday is not just about waving palms, it is about choosing Christ daily. The journey from Jerusalem to Calvary teaches us that victory comes through sacrifice, and glory comes through the Cross.
May this Holy Week transform us, deepen our faith, and prepare us for the joy of Easter.
