HOMILY FOR PALM SUNDAY YEAR A.
THEME: HOSANNA TO THE SON OF DAVID.
BY: Fr. Cajetan Anyanwu.
This Sunday is traditionally known as Passion Sunday or Palm Sunday. It marks the beginning of the Holy Week. The Church commemorates the Lord’s solemn entrance into Jerusalem riding on a donkey and a colt. He was heralded by a great crowd spreading their cloaks and tree branches on his path. They were very excited and began to shout, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessings on him who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heavens!” (Mtt. 21:1-11). Whether this came from their hearts or just on their lips, we shall know during the episode of Good Friday.
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This solemn entrance into Jerusalem is very significant. The entire city was in turmoil. People began to ask, “who is this?” Unlike the kings of this world who go with fanfare and siren and armed military and policemen, Jesus rode on the beast of burden. “His state was divine, yet Christ Jesus did not cling to his equality with God” (Phil. 2:6-11). A leader must be simple and humble. A leader is born not made. A leader must be chosen and acknowledged by the people not selected by the powers that be and imposed on the people.
Surprisingly, the passion of Jesus came through a betrayal by one of those who ate and drank with him. “One of the Twelve, the man called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said: what are you prepared to give me if l hand him over to you? (Mtt.26:14-27:66). The greatest enemy is the one within. To be betrayed by a friend you trust is the most painful experience. This is very common in our times. Jesus suffered and laid down his life to set all humanity free. Yet, those who shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” were also those who will shout, “crucify him! Crucify him” on Good Friday. Jesus, I trust in you, have mercy on us all, amen. Happy Palm Sunday.
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