Palm Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk 

Passion Sunday – April 9, 2017

Readings: (Gospel before procession – Mt 21:1-11) Is 50:4-7; Responsorial Psalm Ps 22:8-9.17-18a19-20.23-24(R.2a); Phil. 2:6-11; Gospel Mt 26:14-27:66 OR 27;11-54.

Theme: The Passion of Christ: Learning the Lessons of Love

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I welcome you heartily to yet another Palm/Passion  Sunday. In Catholic tradition, Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the Holy Week. It reminds us of the messianic/triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem to face his blessed passion which ultimately leads to his glorious resurrection.

Today’s liturgical ceremony is meant to solidify our hope because palms are signs that we are willing to march with Jesus, not only in moments of triumph and glory, but also in times of fall and agony. Let us, therefore process proclaiming Christ as our messiah.

I would like us to reflect on The Passion of Christ: Learning the Lessons of Love. This is because Christ went to his passion because of love as we just read in the Passion Narrative. Palm/Passion has threefold lessons for us namely:

Ø  Jesus’ Suffering is an Invitation to love: “Love one another, just as I have loved you” – (John 15:12).

Ø  Jesus’ Suffering is a Sign of love: “No greater love can a man have than to lay down his life for his friends” – (John 15:13).

Ø  Jesus’ Suffering is a Revelation about love: “If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me” – (Mark 8:34).