Palm Sunday Reflection

And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was shaken and asked, “Who is this?” And the crowds replied, “This is Jesus the prophet, from Nazareth in Galilee.” Matthew 21:10–11

The commemoration of our Lord’s Passion has begun. Today, we read Matthew’s account of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Riding on a donkey, Jesus is greeted by a very large crowd who “spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and strewed them on the road” (Matthew 21:8). The people welcomed Him with shouts of: “Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest” (Matthew 21:9).

The word “Hosanna” in Hebrew means, “Save us, we pray!” Though it was originally a plea for deliverance, it became an expression of praise and joy, especially as it came to be associated with the Messiah’s arrival. The phrase “Hosanna in the highest” calls for God, enthroned in Heaven, to bring His saving power to earth. The crowds’ acclamation reveals both a hope for salvation and a recognition of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah.

During Passover week, Jerusalem’s population increased several times over with pilgrims from across Israel. The atmosphere was vibrant with religious fervour and communal celebration. Merchants sold sacrificial animals, food, and provisions to the crowds. Central to the festivities was the Temple where sacrifices were offered and the Passover lambs were prepared for the sacred meal. Roman authorities increased security, wary of potential unrest, as the commemoration of Israel’s liberation from Egypt stirred hopes of national deliverance. The Jewish authorities were also on high alert, concerned that any disturbance might provoke harsh reprisals from the Romans.

Imagine the excitement, concern, and surprise that many of the religious and Roman leaders felt as large crowds professed their belief in Jesus as the Messiah. Was Israel’s deliverance at hand? This public acclaim highlighted why some saw Jesus as a threat. The Pharisees, in particular, feared that His messianic identity might undermine the religious authority to which they clung. Most of them dismissed the possibility that Jesus was the Messiah they awaited.

Jesus, however, had a very different understanding of the Passover that year. He knew it was the time for His hour of suffering and death, leading to His glorification. He had no interest in political manoeuvring. His sole desire was to fulfill His mission as the Messiah by becoming the one perfect Lamb of Sacrifice whose blood would atone for the sins of many. Jesus was determined and confident as He rode into Jerusalem. Though He knew the suffering that awaited Him, His gaze was fixed on His mission of saving souls. In His sacred humanity, He overcame every temptation to fear or anxiety, allowing peace, strength, and joy to fill His heart.

Not only is Jesus our Savior and the one Mediator between God and us, His human life perfectly models how we are to live. Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem especially models for us how we are to face every difficult situation that tempts us to fear and anxiety. His courage must become our courage, and His determination our determination.

God’s ways are not always what we expect them to be. God chose for Jesus to make his triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey—symbolizing peace and humility—rather than as a warrior king.

We may sometimes find ourselves struggling with understanding God’s logic—how the outward appearance is not as important as what is in the heart. The Lord is not impressed by appearances but by the quality of the gift of the heart.

As I reflect on the readings for Palm Sunday, I am struck by how joy and sorrow are both part of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem—by the excitement of the crowd and at the same time the anticipation of what is to come on Good Friday, a time of redemption. Many of us may also celebrate faith in one moment yet struggle with doubt in the next.

Recently, I was contacted by a single mother with a son who lost her job suddenly and no where to go, but to contact me. She had no place to stay and was all alone, completely at the mercy of anyone who could help her. In times like this, our faith might be the only thing we have. But at the same time, we may doubt and fail to see God’s presence in our lives, in these most difficult times.

If we find ourselves straggling with dealing with what is happening in our lives today, it may be helpful to reflect on how we can accompany Jesus this Lent and consider embracing our faith with joy and with hope. And at the same time, we are reminded, in today’s readings, that Jesus is among us as one who serves. We can be attentive like Jesus and respond to the needs of those around us who have no one else to help them—like the young pregnant mother with her three-year-old son who needed a place to say. We should ask ourselves: Whom does Jesus want me to serve?

As we enter Holy Week, let us remember to deepen our faith, and to prepare our hearts for the love, sacrifice, and resurrection that lie ahead.