Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, the most sacred time in the Christian calendar. As Catholics, we enter into this week with a sense of reverence and anticipation, commemorating Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem and the start of his journey to the cross.

The Gospel accounts tell us of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, where he was greeted by crowds waving palm branches and proclaiming, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Matthew 21:9). This momentous occasion fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah and affirmed Jesus’ identity as the long-awaited Messiah, the King of Israel.

The use of palm branches in Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem holds deep symbolic significance. In ancient times, palms were a symbol of victory, triumph and peace. By waving palm branches and spreading their cloaks on the road, the crowds were acknowledging Jesus as their conquering hero and welcoming him as their king. As Catholics, we continue this tradition by carrying palm branches in procession, symbolising our own acknowledgment of Jesus as our Lord and Saviour.

Palm Sunday also marks the beginning of Jesus’s journey to the cross. Despite the jubilant celebrations of the crowds, Jesus knew that his entry into Jerusalem would ultimately lead to his suffering and death. Yet, he willingly accepted this path out of love for us, fulfilling his mission to redeem humanity and reconcile us to God. As we commemorate Palm Sunday, we are reminded of the depth of Jesus’ love and the sacrifice he made for our salvation.

Palm Sunday invites us to reflect on our own relationship with Jesus and the ways in which we welcome him into our lives. Are we like the crowds, who praised him one day and abandoned him the next? Or are we like the disciples, who remained faithful to Jesus even in the face of adversity? As we journey through Holy Week, let us renew our commitment to follow Jesus with courage, humility and love, trusting in his promise of eternal life.

As we celebrate Palm Sunday, let us join our voices with the crowds in proclaiming, “Hosanna in the highest!” May we welcome Jesus into our hearts and lives as our Lord and King, and may we follow him faithfully on the path to the cross and resurrection. May this Holy Week be a time of profound spiritual renewal and transformation, as we contemplate the depth of God’s love revealed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!” – John 12:13