Reflection
Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
…he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
-Philippians 2:8
Today we begin the journey of Holy Week with Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. His arrival was very intentional. Jesus chose to ride a humble beast of burden while the people laid palm branches along the road before Him. In the Roman world, similar honors were given to victorious generals returning from great battles, or to powerful leaders such as senators or even Caesar himself. Those Roman processions were marked by grandeur—leaders riding large white horses, accompanied by great celebration, public games in the Colosseum, and feasting and drinking.
In contrast, Jesus entered Jerusalem with humility. He chose a donkey rather than a warhorse and later went to a quiet, secluded room in the city. He allowed the people to express their joy and excitement at His presence, even though He had tried many times to explain that He was not the kind of Messiah they expected. He had not come to free them from Roman rule, but to free them from sin and offer them the gift of eternal life. Jesus knew that he was giving up his life for these people who did not understand who he really was; even the Apostles did not fully grasp what was about to happen.
During this week I often ponder the mystery of Jesus’ willingness to offer himself up as the “Lamb of God” by reading and praying with Philippians 2:6 – 11. I am in awe of the mystery of what this week shows me through the events of Jesus’ Passion, Death, and Resurrection. There are no words or explanation for it other than it shows the depth of God’s love for his sons and daughters. May you know the depth of God’s love for you during this most Holy Week.
