Palm Sunday - Homily for 2 April 2023

 

My dear friends, with Palm Sunday we come to the beginning of the climax of the Lenten season. This day in a way is when Jesus began His journey towards the cross - It marked the beginning of a definite confrontation with the religious and political authorities. Before we get to that let us have a quick look at the history behind Palm Sunday.

As soon as Christianity was accepted as an official religion in the fourth century, the faithful in Jerusalem re-enacted the solemn entry of Christ into their city on the Sunday before Easter. They held a procession in which they carried branches and sang the Hosanna. This Palm Sunday procession which appears to have originated in Western Europe was soon accepted in Rome and incorporated into the liturgy. It is believed that there was a mass celebrated outside the walls of Rome wherein the palms were blessed and then a solemn procession moved into the city to the basilica of the Lateran or to Saint Peter's, where the Pope sang a second Mass. With time, the first Mass was discontinued, and in its place, only the ceremony of blessing was performed.  Our Lord was represented in the procession, either by the Blessed Sacrament or by a crucifix. Later, in the Middle Ages, a Palmesel or palm donkey referring to the statue of Jesus on a donkey, mounted on a wheeled platform, was part of the Palm Sunday processions. Gradually with reforms in the liturgy, the ceremonies were simplified to emphasize the suffering and death of Christ. Interestingly, though we call this Palm Sunday, only the Gospel of John explicitly identifies the branches as palm branches.

Liturgically, we have the blessing and procession of palms followed by the Eucharist. The gospel passage read during the procession details Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem riding on a donkey. This entry was not a normal visit but rather one that would set in motion a chain of events that would eventually lead to the death of Jesus on the cross. Historically speaking, there were primarily three reasons which led to the arrest and eventual crucifixion of Jesus. First, Politics. Palestine was infamous for its uprisings against the Roman government. A possible messianic rebellion under Jesus would lead to direct occupation by Rome using force. The second reason is Religion. The rebellious and unorthodox yet popular Jesus was dangerous to the current establishment. Insecurity and jealousy fuel the actions of the Pharisees, the scribes, elders, and chief priests. The third reason is Economics. Immediately after entering Jerusalem, Jesus goes to the temple and drives the dealers and animals out and turns over the tables of the money changers, causing major business disruption. Anyone or anything that is not good for business has to be eliminated.

Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem is in fulfilment of the prophecy contained in Zechariah. (Zech 9:9)

‘Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion!  Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem! Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Jesus’ appearance on a donkey instead of a horse, more suitable for a soldier, conveys an essential element of his Messiahship. He is the kind of messiah who was born in a stable rather than a palace—a messiah who would be the champion of the oppressed and the marginalized. His appearance on a donkey proclaims his servant ministry rather than the royal entry of a king.

 

The 1^st reading taken from the prophet Isaiah is set in the context of the Babylonian exile and is one of the four Servant Songs. The early Christian writers identified the suffering servant with Jesus.  God has given the Servant a tongue to teach and encourage the people (50:4) and an ear to hear God and to hear the people (50:5). To encourage the people who have been suffering through a long exile is not easy. The servant’s preaching pricks those who are living a comfortable life by oppressing others. The text describes the servant’s suffering at the hands of his enemies- scourging, disfigurement and humiliation. Although the Servant experiences violent opposition, he places his trust in the Lord and sets his face like flint fully confident that he will triumph over his adversaries. The LORD, who is the source of the servant’s calling is also the agent of the prophet’s justification.

 

In the second reading taken from St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we have the famous kenotic hymn which speaks about the self-emptying of Jesus. St. Paul exhorts us to emulate Christ Jesus and be united in mind, love, and accord. He empties himself of all claims to divine glory and honour to become a human being — not a human of high status and honour, but a lowly slave serving other human beings. He humbles himself even to the point of dying a slave’s death, for the shameful and torturous form of execution by crucifixion was reserved for slaves and rebels against Roman rule. God’s high exaltation of Jesus confirms the divine nature of his mission. The one who humbled himself and took the form of a slave shows us who God is and how God acts. God’s essential character is shown to be one of self-emptying love rather than self- centered love. 

The passion narrative highlights Jesus’ crucifixion and his willing sacrifice for us. It focuses on Jesus’ humility and obedience, even in the face of intense suffering and humiliation. Contrary to earthly kings and rulers who would do anything to stay in power, Jesus sets before us a model of self-emptying love. A love which does not depend on human approval, a love which is not afraid. A love which is all-embracing and unconditional.

After mass on Palm Sunday, some children will happily play with the palm leaves as swords and the adults will take the palm leaf and fold it into a cross and reverentially place it at the altar at home. While we do this we should not forget what the cross stands for. It is a symbol of being a follower of Christ not only in name but in deeds as well. The suffering servant could have avoided all the pain and persecution had he not proclaimed the words of God. Jesus could have lived a long and peaceful life had he chosen not to enter Jerusalem. The words of Saint Oscar Romero remind us of the challenge of Palm Sunday ‘Those who have a voice must speak for those who are voiceless.’

How important is the appreciation of people for us? Do bear in mind that that crowd that cheered and shouted “Hosanna!” very soon began to shout out “Crucify Him”. Are we ready to risk our popularity and safety to do what is right? Are we strong enough in our faith to go against the majority opinion? Does our life reflect the humility of Christ?

As this season of Lent draws to a close, I pray that the events of the Holy Week help us to prepare ourselves for the celebration of Easter by following Jesus’ example of love, humility, and selflessness. May God bless us all.