PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD'S PASSION: Theme: THE KING WHO ANNOUNCED HIS VICTORY EVEN BEFORE THE BATTLE

READINGS AT MASS  

At the beginning of the Procession:

Mk. 11:1-10

At Mass:

Isaiah 50:4-7

Psalm 22

Phil. 2:6-11

Mk. 14:1-15:47

Dear friends in Christ, N'wokafu YESU KRISTO...

Today is Passion Sunday, also referred to as 'Palm Sunday'. Today, we celebrate the triumphant entry of our Lord Jesus Christ into the Holy City of Jerusalem. All the four Gospels narrate the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. This shows how important the event was for the early Christians. The whole event is full of symbols with deep spiritual meaning to the Jews. 

Symbolism is very important in the faith life of a Christian and the symbolism of this Palm Sunday, and the Holy Week must not be ignored by any true Catholic. The depth and richness of our faith come from these symbols. We have to pay attention to them and try to understand the part they play in our spiritual lives.

In the narrative, we heard that Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem riding on the back of a donkey. In the ancient world and also in the Greco-Roman culture, the king goes to a battle riding a powerful and a high spirited horse. But when he goes to the battle and is victorious, he returns to the city riding on a donkey. This gesture serves as a message to the subjects that their king was victorious and has won victory and peace for his subjects. Thus, Jesus entering the city riding on a donkey was His way of announcing His peaceful victory even before the battle began. 

Beloved, Jesus Christ is the King who announces His victory even before the battle. His manner of entrance and the reception accorded Him signify the victory He brings. His presence alone means victory, salvation and eternal life. No matter how hard or dark the battle might seem, to Him, it is not a competition; it is a done deal. So let us also with our palm branches celebrate His victory even in the face of our personal and individual challenges and battles. 

PRAYER

O God, in the Person of  Jesus Christ triumphantly and victoriously entered Jerusalem, heralding a week of pain and sorrow. We humbly ask You to be with us now as we follow the way of the Cross. In these events of defeat and victory, You have sealed the closeness of death and resurrection, humiliation and exaltation. We thank You for these palm branches that promise to become for us symbols of victory and majesty. Amen. 

May God bless you.

- Fr. Kenneth Debre

Sunday, March 28, 2021.

Holy Rosary Parish, Hohoe.