Our liturgy this Sunday is a little bit longer than usual as we celebrate the Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion because of the two significant events in the life of Jesus: His triumphant entry into Jerusalem and His passion and death on the cross at Mount Calvary.
The first part of the celebration begins with the Blessing of Palms and the Commemoration of Our Lord’s Entry to Jerusalem where we recall how Jesus was received as He entered into the city of Jerusalem while riding on a donkey. The crowds spread their cloaks on the road, waved palm branches, and shouted “Hosanna to the Son of David. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” In the Jewish world, donkey is a symbol of peace. By riding on a donkey, Jesus was bringing forth a message of peace that comes from God to His people. The custom of laying down cloaks on the ground and waving palm branches is a gesture of welcome for a dignitary or a king, especially if he arrives in victory or triumph. The people thus recognized the kingship of Jesus that He was the promised Messiah who would save them from their afflictions.
However, not long after, the same people who had welcomed Him and acclaimed Him demanded that He be crucified. That is what is in the second part of the liturgy as we follow the narrative of the Passion of the Lord in the gospel account according to St. Luke (Luke 22:14-23:56)
What is portrayed in this passion narrative of Our Lord is the sudden change in the mood of the celebration – from a glorious and joyful acclamation – to rejection and betrayal. Jesus started by having a Passover meal with His disciples before He suffered. Then He shared with them everything He would go through. The pain of being betrayed by Judas, whom he considered as a friend; the denial of Peter; the sudden shift of people from recognition to rejection and condemnation; the scribes and council of elders instigation; Pilate’s cowardice in rendering the right judgment; His walking the way of the cross, leading up to His crucifixion.
It was certainly not easy for Jesus as He prayed when He was at the garden of Getsemane. “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; but still not my will but yours be done.” Prior to this, He also said to His disciples, “pray that you may not undergo the test.” This prayer shows the humanity of Jesus and care to His disciples. But in the end, He remained true to His promise to His Father – to give His life as a ransom for many. Many of us can identify with people who believe in Jesus, but sometimes we get swayed by the allurements of this world.
Many of us would worship the Lord but then would succumb to the temptations around us. We profess our faith in Him, but later reject Him when things are no longer favorable to us.
As we enter the Holy Week, let us have the image of Jesus in us who suffered and died, not of His own fault, but because of us. Let us see His immense love for us and let us thank Him for doing this for us. May we be converted and remain strong in professing our faith, not only in good times but also in bad times.