The liturgies of Palm Sunday begin with the celebration of the Lord’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem to the acclaim of crowds shouting “Hosanna!” We gather in the courtyard to hear this proclaimed in the Gospel. Palms are blessed and the community processes together into the church.
In ancient times, after the victory of the Jews over the oppressive Seleucids, 1 Macc 13:51 says, “…the Jews entered the citadel with shouts of praise, the waving of palm branches, the playing of harps and cymbals and lyres, and the singing of hymns and canticles, because a great enemy of Israel had been crushed.” So palms are an ancient symbol of victory.
Catholics often display the palms, received this Sunday, behind a crucifix hanging on the walls in their homes.
The Hebrew word hosanna means “(O Lord) grant salvation” but it has become an acclamation of jubilation and welcome.
Once inside the church, the focus shifts to Jesus’ suffering and death as we hear the proclamation of his Passion from the gospels. We celebrate the Eucharist with Jesus’ words and actions at the Last Supper still echoing in our minds and hearts.
In ancient times, after the victory of the Jews over the oppressive Seleucids, 1 Macc 13:51 says, “…the Jews entered the citadel with shouts of praise, the waving of palm branches, the playing of harps and cymbals and lyres, and the singing of hymns and canticles, because a great enemy of Israel had been crushed.” So palms are an ancient symbol of victory.
Catholics often display the palms, received this Sunday, behind a crucifix hanging on the walls in their homes.
The Hebrew word hosanna means “(O Lord) grant salvation” but it has become an acclamation of jubilation and welcome.
Once inside the church, the focus shifts to Jesus’ suffering and death as we hear the proclamation of his Passion from the gospels. We celebrate the Eucharist with Jesus’ words and actions at the Last Supper still echoing in our minds and hearts.
