Introduction: Holy Week: Will You Travel with Him?

Palm Sunday marks the solemn beginning of Holy Week where the pace of the liturgical year seems to slow down until the paschal triduum (three days) from Holy Thursday to the Easter Vigil. We begin to recall the stages of Christ’s passage from this world – a solemn passage through loneliness, betrayal, injustice, and brutal/unexplainable suffering. A movement from life to death. And then – unexpectedly – a miraculous movement from death to life! An incredible drama – and by far the greatest story ever told!

As you begin the journey of Holy Week, what are your expectations? Your hopes?

Each year on Palm Sunday, there are two Gospels. The first Gospel (from Matthew, Mark, or Luke – depending on the liturgical cycle) is proclaimed before the procession with palms and tells of Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem. 

The second and much lengthier Gospel from either Matthew, Mark, or Luke tells of the dramatic events of Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection.

In the opening dramatic scene, the people (most probably his family, friends, followers, pilgrims, curious visitors) spread their cloaks on the ground and cry out, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” This is a cry that echoes the words of John the Baptist: “One mightier than I is coming after me.”

Throughout the opening Gospel for Palm Sunday, the Gospel writers show Jesus acting out a new understanding of power. For Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a colt (Greek word polon that depicts the colt of a donkey). In ancient times, a warrior king rode into town on a horse. In choosing a donkey, Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem symbolically represented a merciful king who comes in peace. Jesus enters as a peace-loving king. No wonder people were so excited! Something new!

At the same time, the Gospel evangelists (Matthew, Mark, or Luke) describe – through the images of the people spreading leafy branches or palms and crying out “Hosanna,” – a powerful prayer. For the word “Hosanna” literally means in Hebrew: “Save, please!” In this scene, people were practically delirious with joy. Their prayer was a shout of joy – reflecting today our own use of the word Hallelujah.

Can you identify a time you experienced a prayer of joy and praise?

I would invite you to take time to read and ponder the words from either the Gospel of Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-10; or Luke 19:28-40.

What word or words caught your attention?
What in this passage comforted/challenged you?

Further Questions and Reflections:

Holy Week means accompanying Christ on his final journey, bearing our own crosses in trusting silence.

What crosses am I bearing this Lent? Name them.

"As he rides into Jerusalem surrounded by people shouting ‘hosanna,’ Jesus appears completely concentrated on something else. He does not look at the excited crowd. He does not wave. He sees beyond all the noise and movement to what is ahead of him. His unfocused eyes see what nobody around him can see. There is melancholy, but also peaceful acceptance. There is insight into the fickleness of the human heart, but also immense compassion. There is a deep awareness of the unspeakable pain to be suffered, but also a strong determination to do God’s will. Above all there is love, an endless, deep, and far-reaching love born from an unbreakable intimacy with God and reaching out to all people. There is nobody whom he does not fully love." -Henri Nouwen

Every time I look at this Christ on a donkey, I am reminded again that he is looking at me with all my  brokenness, guilt, shame – and loves me with total forgiveness and mercy. How awesome can that be!

                                           

Deacon David

Deacon David Suley
St. Andrew Apostle Catholic Church
Silver Spring, Maryland

Published with Permission

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