Palm Sunday
Is 50:4-7; Phil 2:6-11; Lk 22:14 - 23:56 (Year C)
The liturgy of Holy Week begins with the blessing of palms and the commemoration of the Lord’s entrance into Jerusalem. Superficially there is a stark contrast between the unrestrained jubilation with which the crowds welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem and the hostility that was so soon to lead to crucifixion. “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” became “Crucify him! Crucify him!”
It is undoubtedly true that many had hoped that Jesus would be a political saviour, freeing Israel from Roman domination. Their enthusiasm rapidly dissolved as they witnessed the humiliation of Jesus before Pontius Pilate.
