Palm Sunday marks the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, an event rich in symbolism, prophecy, and preparation. For Catholics around the world, it is the start of Holy Week, the most sacred time in the Church’s liturgical calendar, leading us through the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ.
But what exactly is Palm Sunday? Why do we hold palms? And what does this day mean for us today?
Let’s explore the history, liturgical meaning, biblical roots, and spiritual significance of this holy celebration.
Table of Contents
1. The Biblical Account of Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday commemorates an event described in all four Gospels (Matthew 21:1–11, Mark 11:1–11, Luke 19:28–44, John 12:12–19): the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, just days before His crucifixion.
“They took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’”
— John 12:13
Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9:
“Behold, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey.”
The crowd laid palm branches and cloaks on the road before Him, shouting “Hosanna!”—a Hebrew expression meaning “save us”—as they recognised Him as the promised Messiah.
2. Why Palms?
Palms were a symbol of victory, triumph, and peace in ancient Jewish culture. When the crowd waved palms for Jesus, they were acknowledging Him as a king—but not a political or military king. Jesus came as the Prince of Peace, riding not on a war horse, but humbly on a donkey.
Today, we receive blessed palm branches at Mass, which we take home as sacramentals—reminders of Christ’s kingship and our call to follow Him with humility and trust.
Many Catholics keep their palm branches in a special place throughout the year, often tucked behind crucifixes or holy images. These same palms are later burned to create the ashes for Ash Wednesday the following year—a beautiful sign of the liturgical cycle and the connection between penance and praise.
3. Palm Sunday and the Liturgy
The liturgy of Palm Sunday is rich and unique. It begins with a procession, often outside the church, where the faithful gather to receive palms and re-enact Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. This is followed by the blessing of palms and a joyful Gospel reading of the Triumphal Entry.
But the tone of the Mass quickly shifts.
After the rejoicing comes the reading of the Passion—the full narrative of Jesus’ suffering and death. This contrast between the joy of the crowd and the sorrow of the cross reflects the deeper spiritual truth: Christ’s victory comes through the cross.
Palm Sunday is also known as Passion Sunday, a dual title that reflects both the glory of Christ the King and the suffering of Christ the Servant.
4. Spiritual Meaning of Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday is not just about waving palms—it is a call to conversion. The same crowd that shouted “Hosanna!” would soon cry “Crucify Him!” in less than a week.
That uncomfortable truth leads us to reflect:
- Do I follow Christ only when it’s easy or popular?
- Am I willing to walk with Him to the cross?
- Do I recognise Jesus as my King in all areas of my life?
St. Bernard of Clairvaux once wrote,
“Take away the cross, and you have removed the ladder by which we climb to heaven.”
Palm Sunday challenges us to embrace the full Gospel—not just the glory, but also the sacrifice.
5. Preparing for Holy Week
Palm Sunday invites us to enter Holy Week not as passive observers, but as active participants in the mystery of our redemption.
Here are a few ways to prepare spiritually:
- Attend the Triduum services (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil).
- Read the Passion narratives in the Gospels during the week.
- Make time for silence, reflection, and prayer.
- Go to Confession if you haven’t already during Lent.
- Meditate on the Stations of the Cross.
Holy Week is not just a historical commemoration—it is a present reality, where the graces of Christ’s Passion are poured out anew for those who are ready to receive them.
Conclusion: The King Who Comes in Humility
Palm Sunday reminds us that our King is not like worldly rulers. Jesus enters our lives not with pomp and military force, but with meekness, mercy, and majesty hidden in humility.
He does not conquer with violence but with sacrificial love.
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who… emptied himself, taking the form of a servant.”
— Philippians 2:5–7
As we enter Holy Week, let us lay down not just palm branches, but our pride, our sin, and our resistance to God’s will. Let us welcome Christ not just into our churches, but into our hearts.
Hosanna in the highest!
READ MORE: WHAT IS HOLY WEEK? A DAY-BY-DAY GUIDE FOR CATHOLICS
READ MORE: FAITH SECTION