HOSANNA TO THE SON OF DAVID
Gospel Reading (procession) : Luke 19: 28-40
First Reading: Isaiah 50: 4-7
Second Reading: Philippians 2: 6-11
Gospel Reading: Luke 22: 14 to 23: 56
*Gospel according to St. Luke (for procession) gives an account of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem - like a King, Messiah and Prophet. As He enters the city, the people of Jerusalem enthusiastically welcome Him by singing hosanna and praising God. He comes on a colt symbolizing peace. As we are going to acclaim Jesus as our King and Lord let us make a firm promise to serve Him alone. Jesus' entry as the messianic King is a sign that the peace and salvation decreed by God is at hand.
*First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Sufferings of Isaiah is graphically described while serving the Lord God by carrying out his mission given by the Lord God. He is convinced the Lord God will eventually save him and he will not be put to shame. The sufferings and rejection of Prophet Isaiah is a pre-figuration of the sufferings and rejection and eventual death of Jesus the Messiah
*Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Philippians. Paul explains to the Christian community the fact that because Jesus took upon Himself our human conditions and he accepted death on a cross, the heavenly Father has made Him Lord of heaven and earth. Jesus teaches us that humiliations, sufferings and death are necessary to enter into glory.
The passion of the Lord Jesus In today's Gospel we have the passion narrative by St. Luke. Luke gives a vivid account of the Passover meal with the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper. Even when death is imminent for the Master, disciples are disputing among themselves who is the greatest among them. Jesus makes it very clear to them that to be His disciples they are to be at the service of one another. Jesus warns Peter of his impending denial. Judas under the cover of darkness betrays Him with a kiss. Jesus is arrested by the soldiers. When taken to the authorities, Jesus is accused of calling Himself a King. Finally under severe pressure from Jewish authorities Pilate condemns Him to death on a cross. Even on His final journey to Calvary, Jesus shows mercy, compassion and kindness to the women of Jerusalem. On the cross He prays for His executioners and pardons the thief on His right side of the cross. After His death, Joseph of Arimathea who was a secret disciple of Jesus takes His body and buries Him in a tomb. With passion reading, we too are invited to be not merely spectators but to be participants in the passion story especially during the Holy week.
Passion Sunday (Palm Sunday) is not the last word of the Jesus story. Rather it is only a prelude to the Holy week that will reach its climax on Easter Sunday. Let the celebrations of the Palm Sunday bring us hope and encouragement in times of pain and sufferings in our lives.
"Palm Sunday tells us that .... it is the cross that is the true tree of life." - Pope Benedict XVI
"Ride on/ ride on in majesty. In lowly pomp ride on to die./ O Christ thy triumph now begin/ O'er captive death and conquered sin." - Henry H Millman
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