Palm Sunday -Jesus the Suffering Servant and the Fickleness of the Human Heart

Saturday Evening Celebration

“Say to Daughter Zion,
    ‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
    and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

This week as we celebrate Palm Sunday, we see Jesus triumphantly entering Jerusalem as King (Matthew 21:1-11). In breaking the word, Fr Ryan asked the following:

The donkey carried Jesus to city of Jerusalem. Are we ready to carry Jesus with us to our work place, our homes and our gatherings?

Fr Ryan said Palm Sunday reminds us of the following:

  • Jesus – the suffering servant
  • Humility- He humbled himself
  • The cross as our salvation- He saved us through the cross
  • Imitation of Christ- Are we ready to humble ourselves and carry our cross like He did?

Sunday Morning Celebration

Fr. Dom in his homily pointed out the contradiction that was to come. The very people who welcomed Jesus with palms and shouted “Hosanna” as he rode on a donkey in moments of great joy and celebration, would demand his crucifixion in just five days. . It is a stark reminder of how fickle the human heart can be, how quickly we can turn from love to hate.

It is easy for us to judge the people of Jerusalem for their actions. But let us not forget that we too are capable of such fickleness. How often have we welcomed Jesus into our lives with great enthusiasm, only to turn away from him when things get difficult? How often have we shouted “Hosanna” with our lips, but not with our hearts?

As we enter into Holy Week, let us reflect on our own relationship with Jesus. Let us ask ourselves if we truly welcome him into our lives, or if we only do so when it is convenient for us. Let us examine our hearts and ask for the grace to remain faithful to Jesus, even in the midst of trials and difficulties.

Birthday Celebration- Month of April