Palm Sunday—The Beginning of Holy Week

Holy Week starts off with lots of palms, but Palm Sunday’s donkey is just as important to the story! This day is filled with praise and Hosannas. However, the crux of this day is the deeper meaning rooted in humility, rather than worldly veneration. As we see this “triumphal entry” let us not forget the humble service to others. This is a theme that runs through the New Testament. A reminder from the Apostle Paul who stressed, “Christians believe that Jesus, the son of a carpenter, was also the son of God, who “emptied himself” of his divinity to become fully human.” And the words of Jesus himself reminding us that it will be “the meek, who will inherit the earth,” and “whoever wishes to be great among you must first be your servant.” So, about that donkey? In Christianity, this animal becomes almost a symbol of Christ himself, given how it patiently suffers and bears others’ burdens. And palms? The palm branch had been associated with triumph and victory for hundreds of years before Christ. Quite a contrast. These Gospel narratives left Christians throughout the centuries with two important images for Palm Sunday, the procession with palm branches and the donkey: one associated with triumphant victory, and the other with quiet humility. Is this not Jesus, the humble servant, who will return again in victory? Oh “Hosanna in the highest, AMEN!”

A Thought To Remember
“Today, many years ago, He rode a donkey, not a horse. Peace is still the way He travels.” -Anonymous

My Response

Precious Jesus, help me to be humble and caring like you are. Keep me on the path you have made for me so I don’t wander and forget that I am your child. In this crazy society we live in, it is easy to lose our identity so we can fit in with others, but that is never how you created us to be. One this Palm Sunday as I raise my Hosanna in praise to you, may I quietly pray for all those who are seeking and have no “hosanna’ to share. AMEN.