The two Gospels for this day—the only Sunday of the Liturgical Year when two Gospels are proclaimed—begin with Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem amid cries of “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” and end with the events of his Passion and Death. We begin by remembering Jesus’ welcome as Messiah and carry blessed branches in procession. A short time later, we are members of the crowd crying, “Crucify him!” I guess it’s a day to reflect on our own fickle human nature—and how quickly life events can shift our spirit from hope to despair.
Even the name for this Sunday reflects this. It’s officially called Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord. This day introduces us to the bookends of Holy Week—Jesus’ triumphal entry and his Death just days later. We, unlike those who first experienced these events of Holy Week, know that Christ’s Resurrection soon follows. May this realization help us to better appreciate their despair on Good Friday and their joy and amazement as news of the Resurrection spread among them on Easter.
On which of these two Gospels do you tend to focus? Why?
How can you best convey the spirit and meaning of this day—and all the events of Holy Week and the Sacred Triduum—to the children in your home and classroom?
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Image credit: Corinne SIMON/CIRIC
