This Sunday, Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem is followed by the foreshadowing of his Passion. The liturgy confronts us with a powerful paradox: the acclaimed Christ becomes the crucified one. In the joy of the palms already echoes the silence of the cross. As we enter Holy Week, we are invited to walk with him into the mystery of salvation.
“Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness.” (Phil 2:6–7)
Two Scenes, One Mystery
What a contrast! The crowd first hails Jesus as king, only to demand his death days later. Why does the liturgy bring together such seemingly opposing moments? Because they reveal two sides of the same mystery: Christ’s glory is found in his self-emptying. Palm Sunday invites us into this paradox of divine love: triumph through the cross.
“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.” (Lk 19:38)
The Tree of Triumph, the Tree of the Cross
St. Anthony of Padua draws a connection between the branches laid before Jesus and the wood of the cross. The tree of victory already announces the tree of sacrifice.
Our blessed palms are not merely signs of celebration—they point to the ultimate gift of Christ’s life on the cross. To follow Jesus is to walk with him all the way to Golgotha.
“If they keep silent, the stones will cry out.” (Lk 19:40)
To praise Jesus is not just an emotional moment of celebration. It’s a choice to remain faithful, even through suffering. As we raise our palms today, we are called to renew our commitment: to receive Christ in his glory and in his suffering, in his power and in his humility.
Prayer of the Day
Lord Jesus,
You entered Jerusalem amid cries of joy,
Yet you knew the cross awaited you.
Help me to follow you with trust,
In light and in darkness alike.
Make my heart a dwelling for your love.
And may my faith accompany you to the cross. Amen.
Biblical References
- Luke 19:28–40
- Philippians 2:6–11
Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke
Jesus proceeded on his journey up to Jerusalem.
As he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany at the place called the Mount of Olives,
he sent two of his disciples.
He said, “Go into the village opposite you, and as you enter it you will find a colt tethered
on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here.
And if anyone should ask you, ‘Why are you untying it?’
you will answer, ‘The Master has need of it.’”
…
As he rode along, people were spreading their cloaks on the road…
And they cried out:
“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.”
Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him,
“Teacher, rebuke your disciples.”
He said in reply,
“I tell you, if they keep silent, the stones will cry out.”
For the full readings of the day, visit Vatican News.
To Reflect On
- Am I willing to follow Jesus to the end?
- What is my response to his self-giving love?
- Is my heart a true place of welcome for him?
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