Tomorrow is Palm Sunday. The Church will joyfully celebrate the triumphant entrance of Christ into Jerusalem. All over the world, the faithful will carry a palm into Mass. In some places, parishes celebrate with elaborate processions through the streets. In the United States, palm branches are blessed with holy water outside the church or in the narthex, then the congregation processes in to celebrate Mass.
We find ourselves in the final stretch of Lent, just before Holy Week begins. As we approach the finish line, we hope your Lenten observances, fasting, abstinence, and sacrifices have borne good fruit. We commend your faithfulness and encourage you to persevere. There is still time in these remaining days to deepen your prayer. Perhaps add a Rosary, meditate on the Stations of the Cross, or make a meaningful act of almsgiving.
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. The liturgy opens with the blessing of palms and a solemn procession, recalling the crowds who spread cloaks and branches before the Lord as he entered Jerusalem. Yet the tone quickly shifts. At Mass, we hear the full reading of the passion, and the same voices that cry “Hosanna!” speak the words of the crowd calling for his crucifixion. Palm Sunday holds joy and sorrow together: the triumphal entry and the looming cross, glory and sacrifice intertwined.
May these final days of Lent be a time of renewed focus and gratitude. Take up your blessed palm and let it remind you that Christ is King, not only of Jerusalem long ago but of your heart today. Walk with him through the passion, remain close to him in prayer, and prepare to rejoice with him at Easter.
Bishop Robert Barron
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