Palm Sunday and Holy Week

March 31, 2023
Author: Hannah DeVivo

Peace be with you!

Today’s blog post will take a look at Palm Sunday and Holy Week.

What is Palm Sunday?

Palm Sunday is the 6th Sunday in Lent. It is the day that we remember when Jesus entered Jerusalem the week before his crucifixion. In the Gospel of Matthew, we learn that Jesus was given a royal treatment by the Jews. As He rode in on a donkey, the crowds spread their cloaks on the ground in front of Him. Some cut palm branches from the trees and spread them on the road. As Jesus traveled along the road, they said “Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”. His arrival was accompanied by a big commotion. All the city was abuzz and asking who this man was, who was getting so much attention and such a big welcome. The crowds who knew said “This is Jesus the prophet from Galilee”.

Hosanna

Let’s examine the word Hosanna. “Hosanna” in Hebrew means “Grant salvation”. It appears in the Old Testament from the psalms of David. “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone….Lord, grant salvation! Lord, grant good fortune! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless you from the house of the Lord. The Lord is God and has enlightened us. Join in procession with leafy branches up to the horns of the altar.”-Psalm 118 22, 25-27.

In this psalm, we see the foreshadowing of Jesus’ triumphant entry into the Holy Land. It is fascinating that the analogy of the cornerstone is used here. The cornerstone is the most important one. Laid at the foundation, all subsequent stones will be laid in reference to it. Although the Pharisees rejected Jesus, he indeed was the most important. Jesus is our perfect foundation and by aligning ourselves to Him, we will attain the true glory of Heaven. The fact that the jews used the term “Hosanna” upon seeing Jesus enter Jerusalem shows that they believed Him to be the son of God: the Savior of the world.

The Time Leading up to the Death of Jesus

During the last week in Lent, we remember the events that took place before the death and resurrection of Jesus. Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday are referred to as the “Easter Triduum”.

Spy Wednesday

The Wednesday before Easter is referred to as “Spy Wednesday” to remember when Judas looked for a time to betray Jesus. “Then one of the Twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests, and said to them ‘What are you willing to give me for delivering Him to you?’ But they assigned him thirty pieces of silver. And from then on, he sought out an opportunity to betray Him.”-Matthew 26:14-16

Holy Thursday

On Holy Thursday, we remember the Last Supper. “And while they were at supper, Jesus took bread, and blessed and broke, and gave it to His disciples, and said, ‘Take and eat; this is My Body.’ And taking a cup, He gave thanks and gave it to them, saying, “All of you drink of this; for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is being shed for many unto the forgiveness of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I shall drink it new with you in the kingdom of my Father.”-Matthew 26:26-29

Good Friday

Good Friday is the day that we remember Jesus’ passion and death. For a more in-depth recounting of the day, click here! “From noon onward, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And about three o’clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?”* which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Some of the bystanders who heard it said, “This one is calling for Elijah.” Immediately one of them ran to get a sponge; he soaked it in wine, and putting it on a reed, gave it to him to drink. But the rest said, “Wait, let us see if Elijah comes to save him.” But Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, and gave up his spirit. And behold, the veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, rocks were split, tombs were opened, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised.”-Matthew 27:45-52

Holy Saturday

Holy Saturday is the day that we remember Jesus in the tomb. “And the next day, which was the one after the Day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees went in a body to Pilate, saying, ‘Sir, we have remembered that how that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ Give orders, therefore, that the sepulchre be guarded until the third day, or else his disciples may come and steal him away, and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead’;and the last imposture will be worse than the first.’ Pilate said to them, ‘You have a guard; go, guard it as well as you know how.’ So they went and made the sepulchre secure, sealing the stone, and setting the guard.”-Matthew 26:62-66.

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday is the glorious day when we rejoice in remembrance of what the Lord has done for us!! God sent His only Son to take on the sin of humanity. By entering into our suffering and taking on our fallen nature, He was able to lay down His life as a perfect sacrifice. In doing so, He defeated death and opened the gates of Heaven! We rejoice because we now have the opportunity to live with Him forever in glory! “After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning and his clothing was white as snow. The guards were shaken with fear of him and became like dead men. Then the angel said to the women in reply, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, I have told you.” Then they went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce this to his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage.”-Matthew 28:1-9

As you enter Holy Week, I invite you to ask the Holy Spirit for the spiritual graces that God wants to give you. Spend as much time as you can with God in prayer and open your heart to the gifts that He wants you to receive.

Before You Go

Do you share the significance of Palm Sunday with your family?

Do you have any special traditions for Holy Week?

Did you learn anything new in this article?

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