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Palm SundayA P R I L 9 , 2 0 1 7
K of C Resources
www.kofc.org
“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”LK 19:28
The Sunday before Easter, Christians celebrate the commemoration of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Palm Sunday marks the start of Holy Week — the last seven days of Jesus' earthly ministry.
The triumphal entry into Jerusalem
In the days before the Last Supper, as they traveled to Jerusalem, Jesus sent his disciples ahead to a village. There, they were told to fetch him a donkey, upon which he would enter the great city of Jerusalem.
His choice to ride such a humble creature reflected an ancient eastern tradition: Kings,in a show of peace, would ride donkeys upon their triumphant return from war. Jesus’ victorious entrance was a fulfillment of the scriptural promise: a messiah and king would come and bring about God's triumphant kingdom.
Why palms?
Palms played a prominent part in the welcome of the people.
Upon Jesus' entrance into the city, the crowds gathered and filled the streets, waving palms and laying them across his path in greeting.
Today, many Christians process with palms on Palm Sunday. The palms not only remind us of day's history, but also serve as a symbol of Christian martyrs and their spiritual triumph over death.
Did you know that Catholic parishes collect and burn old palms? The ashes are then blessed and used during the following year's Ash Wednesday liturgy. So, if you have palms that you wish to respectfully dispose of, consider bringing them to your parish!
References
www.usccb.org www.archtoronto.org
Disposing of palms
