Sunday, April 2th , 2023 – Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion - Cycle A Readings: Matthew 21:1 -11, Isaias 50:4 -7, Psalm 22 “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? ”, Philippians 2:6 -11, Matthew 26:14 - 27:66

     My dear brothers and sisters, the first part of the celebration of this Sunday marks the triumphant procession of the crowds with Jesus into the city of Jerusalem. This event is what gave the name “Palm Sunday” to this Sunday but we know that as soon as we process into the church we also begin the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ.
     The narrative of the triumphant entry into the city of Jerusalem begins with Jesus sending his disciples to the neighbor village to go and bring a tethered colt which does not belong to him. It was enough for the disciples to say to whoever asked to know what they were doing that “the Master needs it” and the deed was done. Jesus, who did not have any property, relied on his Father to provide him all he needed. The Father did so using other people who came to the aid of Jesus. His great trust in the Father is what made him confident in having the colt he needed for his triumphant entry into the city of Jerusalem. We need to have great faith in God so that we can also experience his providence.
     Another symbolic sign in the narrative is Jesus riding on a donkey or simply a young animal. Whereas many people would like to see an imagery of a warrior in the action of Jesus, it may seem more correct to think of the picture of a shepherd since that is the imagery that Jesus himself presents throughout his public ministry. He enters the city not as a warrior who has been triumphant over his enemies but as a shepherd who leads his flock of humanity to take procession of the city which is theirs by right. Thus each time we enter the church in procession, we know that Jesus our shepherd is before us and leads us to the house of God where we are called to dwell forever. Let us therefore learn to make God's house our dwelling place so that we may benefit from the graces that his triumphant entry showers on us.
     The reading of the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ sets the tone for the events we will be commemorating throughout this Holy Week, especially during the Easter Triduum. This Holy week, the most important events in the history of the world will transpire: namely the passion, death and resurrection of his majesty, our Lord and savior Jesus Christ and the King. Let us actively journey with our Lord, let us unite our story with his and open our heart for the graces of this week. May the Lord bless us in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Fr. Paschal Chester, SVD