PALM SUNDAY -- March 29, 2026

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Theme: Faith; Trusting God before a miracle happens.

Readings:

• Procession: Matthew 21: 1-11
• First Reading: Isaiah 50: 4-7
• Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 22: 8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24
• Second Reading: Philippians 2: 6-11
• Verse Before the Gospel: Philippians 2: 8-9
• Gospel: Matthew 26: 14 – 27: 66 or Matthew 27: 11-54

Reflection:

Anyone can shout Alleluia when a miracle has already happened. And anyone can jump in praise of God when they begin to see light at the end of the tunnel. But it takes faith for one to shout before a miracle has happened. And it also takes great faith to continue trusting in God in the midst of problems without a solution. How many of us are able to see a silver lining in the dark clouds that encircle our lives? And how many are able to see the victory of life over death when in despair?

As we shout with joy on Palm Sunday, we are already celebrating in anticipation what Jesus is going to overcome. As difficulties assail us in life, our focus must not be on our smallness, but on the One who is mightier than our problems – the Saviour. 

Today we begin the Holy Week. In our readings today we are taken through the events of the eight days. It begins with Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The glory at the end of the eight days is alluded in Saint Paul’s letter to the Philippians in which we are encouraged by St. Paul to put on the mind of Jesus Christ – one who was willing to let go of his equality with God, in order to humble himself to share in our humanity. And humbling himself, Jesus went the way of death – and worst of all – death on a cross. Yet in doing the Will of the Father, Jesus is glorified and given a name above all names. 

The Gospel relates the events of this week, from Judas’ making a pact with the religious leaders to hand over Jesus; to the Last Supper; to the agony in the garden; to the fake trial; to his passion — condemnation, scourging, crowning with thorns, crucifixion, death, and burial. 

We need to read the passion story over and over again this week so as to connect with Jesus at a deeper level on what he is going through. This repetitive reading exercise will in turn enable us to see Jesus right in the midst of our own pain and suffering. And this can bring great transformation in our lives, and especially the lives of the poor and marginalized in our world today. 

REFLECTION EXERCISE:

• How is Jesus’ suffering related to your own suffering and the suffering of the marginalized and poor in our world today?
• How is it important to suffer with Christ suffering?
• What is Christ saying to you as he goes through his suffering?
• How is Jesus’ Passion Teaching you to walk with the marginalized and hopeless? 
  

AMEN!