PALM SUNDAY: Mt 21:1-11; Holy Mass: Is 50:4-7, Phil 2:6-11; Passion reading: Mt 26: 14-27 or Mt 27: 11-54.

On Lent's sixth Sunday, we commemorate Palm Sunday and Passion Sunday. We celebrate both these together because the Passion of the Lord is victorious, and the palm branch is a symbol of victory. The first gospel that we read at the blessing of the palm branches tells us that the Passion of the Lord is victorious. The first gospel tells us that Jesus entered Jerusalem. Jesus entered Jerusalem to suffer, die, and rise from the dead in order to give the Holy Spirit for the salvation of the whole world. The Passion of the Lord is victorious not only for the Lord, but for all of us sinners as well! That is why the gospel tells us that the crowds welcomed Jesus with palm branches. Palm branches are a symbol of victory!

The second gospel today that we have just read also tells us that the Passion of the Lord is victorious. This gospel tells us that Barabbas, the notorious prisoner, was set free because Jesus, the innocent one, was condemned to death in his place. The gospel also tells us that after the death of Jesus, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; that is, the holy of holies which was accessible only to the high priest and only once a year is now accessible to all every day. The gospel also tells us that the dead rose to life and that the pagan centurion and his fellow guards were converted. Indeed, the Passion of the Lord is victorious and salvific.

The first reading follows the theme of the gospel. The first reading also tells us that the Passion of the Lord is victorious. The first reading is the third of four suffering-servant songs of Isaiah. It tells us of the vicarious suffering of the suffering-servant of the Lord, that is, the suffering-servant suffers on behalf of sinners for the salvation of sinners. Thus, we read in the first reading:

    “I offered my back to those who struck me, my cheeks to those who tore at my beard; I did not cover my face against insult and spittle. The Lord comes to my help so that I am untouched by the insults. So, too, I set my face like flint; I know I shall not be shamed.” (Is 50:6-7). 
Jesus took upon himself all that insult I deserved as punishment for my sins.

We put our palm branches with the crucifix because the Passion of the Lord is victorious. It is resurrection, life, glory, and salvation.   

Today, celebrating “Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion”, we begin Holy Week! Holy Week will climax in the Easter Triduum of three days: Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday. But Good Friday begins with Holy Thursday Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, and Easter Sunday begins with the Easter Vigil. The Easter Triduum, which celebrates the death (Good Friday), burial (Holy Saturday), and resurrection (Easter Sunday) of the Lord, is one celebration.

    That is why there will be no dismissal after the Holy Thursday Mass and no dismissal after the Good Friday Service. The dismissal will only be given after the Easter Vigil Mass. That is why it is important that we participate in the whole Easter Triduum of three days in order to die and rise with Jesus Christ to the new life of Easter. Attentive participation in the Holy Week liturgy will deepen our relationship with God, increase our Faith, and strengthen our lives as disciples of Jesus. Each Mass Wish you all a blessed and fruitful Holy Week.