Palm Sunday

On the Sunday before Easter, Christians remember the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem. A description of this entrance is to be found in all four of the Gospel accounts. One of the main elements in the narrative is that Jesus enters like a king, riding on a donkey and acclaimed by the cheering crowds (Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-38, John 12:12-19).

The prayers of the feast often begin outside with the blessing of the branches (palms, olive branches, etc...) that are held by the believers in order to welcome Jesus as he enters Jerusalem. A reading of the narrative of Jesus' entry follows and the faithful then walk in procession, singing "Hosanna to the son of David". The procession enters the church and the liturgy that follows is characterized by the reading of the Passion of Jesus. The reading signifies the entry into Holy Week whose peak is the crucifixion, death and burial of Jesus.

Jesus is welcomed as a king in Jerusalem, however after only a few days he reveals himself as a king very different from the kings of this world. Instead of a crown of gold, he receives a crown of thorns, instead of sitting on a majestic throne he is fastened to a cross. Instead of the appearance of a king, he will resemble the Suffering Servant of God.

On Palm Sunday in Jerusalem a large crowd of believers gathers at Bethphage and from there they make their way down the Mount of Olives to the Old City. Following the crowd, singing for the king who enters his city, the heads of the Church walk in procession, entering Jerusalem.