Palm Sunday: A: March 29, 2026

 JESUS' TRIUMPHANT ENTRY TO JERUSALEM

Introduction: Today we commemorate the Lord's triumphant entry into the city of Jerusalem. He comes to fulfil God's plan of salvation, culminating in the suffering and death on the cross. In the first part of today's liturgy, we have the Gospel reading from St. Matthew. A detailed narration of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem is given. Jesus goes to the city not as a conquering king but as a gentle and humble bearer of the good news. He travels on a donkey symbolizing the simplicity of His mission. People of the city welcomes Him enthusiastically and joyfully singing: 'Hosana to the Son of God.'

Gospel for procession: Matthew 21: 1 to 11

First Reading: Isaiah 50: 4 to 7

Second Reading: Philippians 2: 6 to 11

Gospel Reading: Matthew 26: 14 to 27: 66

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah narrates his own sufferings. In spite of his numerous sufferings, he is sustained by the firm belief that the Lord God will not abandon him. Sufferings of Isaiah are a pre-figuration of the sufferings of Jesus the Messiah. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Philippians. Paul says although Jesus is God, He takes on Himself human condition and accepts death on the cross. So God the Father raises Him up and makes Him the Lord of heaven and earth. 

The passion and sufferings of Jesus our Saviour and Lord                                      Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. A detailed account of the passion and sufferings of the Lord Jesus is given. How the prophecies of the Scriptures are fulfilled in Jesus is emphasized. It is amazing to observe that perfectly religious and sane people are capable of siding with the evil or doing the evil in certain situations. This is very much evident from the happenings on Good Friday when the people who are apparently righteous put Jesus to death or collude with the people who do the heinous crime. We meet the following people in the Gospel: 1. The Pharisees: These are austere and religious men who have good knowledge of the law. Their assurance of righteousness leads them to evil. 2. Caiaphas: A man who upholds religious orthodoxy and does not want anyone to oppose it. 3. Pilate: He fully knows that Jesus is innocent. Yet he condemns Him because he is afraid of the Jewish authorities. 4. Judas: A deeply disappointed and disillusioned man. He thinks it is not wrong to betray His master. 5. Peter: A weak and cowardly man. He is ready to disown his master to protect himself. In this context Pope Benedict XIV says, "Palm Sunday tells us that it is the Cross that is the true tree of life."

Conclusion: Holy week is the time to look at ourselves and find out where we stand in this drama of the Passion of the Lord. It is always easy to condemn others and throw stones at Judas, Peter, Caiaphas, Pilate and Pharisees. 

May the Lord Jesus who triumphantly went to Jerusalem to face rejection and death, bless you and strengthen you in times of rejection and sufferings in your life. Amen. 

(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph. March 29, 2026. Thanks.)