Palm Sunday

Yesterday was Palm Sunday. Masses are heard at different churches in San Antonio and other areas in the Philippines. As usual, hundreds of people packed the churches, with palm fronds on their hands. During this occasion, the mass usually starts with the blessing of the palm branches and part of the Passion of the Christ is read.

As far as the meaning and origin of Palm Sunday is concerned, I guess only few of the San Antoniohanons know about it. I, myself, knew little about it and that has something to do mainly with the fact that Palm Sunday signals the opening of the Holy Week.

However, a few years ago, I found an article that explained Palm Sunday. Based on what I read, the day is celebrated to commemorate the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem in the days before his execution.

The people gave Jesus the honor of covering the path of someone thought worthy of the highest honor by spreading palm branches and even their clothing on Jesus' path as He entered Jerusalem, thus this quote:

They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" (Matthew 21:7-9)

Palm branches, from the ancient times, were symbols of victory and triumph. The Romans used to reward their champions of the games with palm branches, and in military triumphs, you probably have noticed that the celebrations of victory were observed with palms.

I think, the Jews followed the same custom of carrying palm branches on their festive occasions and this is what happened during the solemn entry of Jesus into the Holy City before his last passover.

Today, to continue to honor Jesus for His triumphant entry to Jerusalem, San Antoniohanons wave palm branches. The day somehow reminds us that by entering the Holy City on Palm Sunday, Jesus Christ voluntarily accepted His passion and death for our salvation, and that the triumphant procession with palm branches heralded His glorious resurrection.

And, now by carrying blessed branches in our hands, we Filipinos and Christians wish to associate ourselves with Christ in order that we also may participate with Him in the joy and happiness of His resurrection.

A blessed Holy Week to all of you San Antoniohanons! =)