March 29, 2026 - Palm Sunday
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Palm Sunday is about The King Who Enters in Humility, it begins one of the most sacred weeks of the Christian year. With palms in our hands and the Gospel of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, we join the crowds who welcomed Him with cries of “Hosanna to the Son of David!” Yet within the same liturgy we hear the full Passion narrative. The Church intentionally places triumph and suffering side by side, reminding us that the glory of Christ is revealed precisely through the Cross.
In the Gospel procession (Matthew 21:1–11), Jesus enters Jerusalem not on a war horse but on a humble donkey. The crowds expect a powerful king, perhaps even a political liberator. But Jesus reveals a different kind of kingship. His authority is not built on force or domination but on humility, obedience, and sacrificial love. The One whom the crowds praise today will soon stand before Pilate, mocked and condemned.
The other readings deepen this mystery. Isaiah’s “Suffering Servant” (Isaiah 50:4–7) speaks of one who remains faithful despite rejection and violence. St. Paul’s hymn in Philippians (2:6–11) proclaims that though Christ was in the form of God, He “emptied himself” and accepted death—even death on a cross. Because of this radical humility, God highly exalted Him.
Palm Sunday confronts us with a question: which crowd do we belong to? It is easy to join the joyful procession with palms and songs. It is harder to remain faithful when discipleship leads through suffering, sacrifice, or inconvenience. The same voices that shout “Hosanna” can quickly become the voices that cry “Crucify him.” Holy Week invites us to examine our own hearts and renew our commitment to follow Christ not only in moments of celebration but also in moments of the Cross.
As we enter Holy Week, the Church invites us to walk closely with the Lord: in the Upper Room on Holy Thursday, at Calvary on Good Friday, and finally at the empty tomb on Easter morning. Palm Sunday is not the end of the story; it is the doorway into the saving events that define our faith.
May the palms we carry today be more than symbols of celebration. May they remind us to follow Christ our King with humility, perseverance, and trust—knowing that beyond the Cross lies the victory of the Resurrection.
God bless everyone always!!!
Fr. Stan
