Week 214
Positive post Sunday, March 28, 2021- Week 214.
Today is Palm Sunday (also known as Passion Sunday), a very important day for all Christians and the beginning of Holy Week. Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphant arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem, days before he was crucified. If you have 5 minutes for your Faith, here is a link to an explanation of the history and importance of Palm Sunday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXTkIao1ZJM.
Have you ever wondered what the palms signify? Palm branches were considered symbols of victory and triumph at the time, and Jesus’ followers spread them at his feet as he was coming back to Jerusalem. The tradition of blessing and distributing palms on Palm Sunday has continued in many Christian churches throughout the world to this day. Palms are blessed by a priest and handed out to all those attending Mass on Palm Sunday. Some who receive palms shape them into crosses like the ones in the photos below, signifying and recognizing that Jesus would soon make the ultimate sacrifice of being crucified for us before rising on Easter Sunday.
Have you ever wondered what happens to all the unused palms? Since they have all been blessed by a priest, they are holy. With that status, it wouldn’t be appropriate to simply throw them away. Therefore, some churches hold the palms until the next year, where they are burned to make the ashes for Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent when we are reminded of the importance of turning away from sin and following the holy word of Jesus.
I wish all my fellow Christians a blessed and reflective Holy Week as we prepare for Easter, the joyous resurrection of Jesus.
How will you deepen your faith during Holy Week?
What cross are you willing to carry to help those in need?