Palm Sunday Reflection

Palm Sunday Reflection
Cynthia Judge, Board Member

​Storytelling is our natural language. We all respond to stories, because they open our hearts to life and love.
 
Palm Sunday is filled with stories. In fact, Palm Sunday is the only day where we hear about Jesus’ happy entry into Jerusalem, adored by huge crowds, and we hear the Passion story of Jesus’ suffering and death.
 
The first story begins with Jesus coming into Jerusalem, and when people saw Him, they cheered for Him, treated Him like a star and praised God “aloud with joy.” Imagine yourself as Jesus, being recognized and cheered by a huge crowd. It would be easy to feel that was the best day of your life!
 
Then, the story changes. Jesus knew that He was going to suffer greatly. He was truly human and he must have been scared. He prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done”. Imagine how frightened you would be. Imagine the courage you would receive by turning to God.
 
And through prayer, the strength of Jesus as truly God allowed Him to meet the challenge. He saw his friend Judas turn him over to the authorities. He saw his friend Peter deny three times that he even knew Jesus. Imagine how hurt you would feel if your friends did that. And then the crowds of people who claimed that they loved Jesus turned against him. Imagine how betrayed you would feel.
 
Yet Jesus pressed on, He carried His heavy Cross. Jesus was crucified, He hung on the Cross for three long hours, and finally said, “Father, into your hands I commend my Spirit.” Imagine loving humanity that much, to die for others, showing us how to live and love!
 
The Palm Sunday stories begin in joy and end in sorrow. We know, though, that there’s a great story – the best story ever – that we’ll hear on Easter. Until then, have a blessed Holy Week.