Palm Sunday: A Celebration of Welcome and Betrayal
Palm Sunday, also known as Willow Sunday, marks the beginning of Holy Week. It commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, when crowds joyfully welcomed him, waving palm branches and proclaiming, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Mark 11:9). Yet, within days, these same voices turned against him, shouting, “Crucify him!” (Mark 15:13). This drastic shift in the crowd’s attitude offers us a profound lesson about human nature, loyalty, and faithfulness to God.
Palm or Willow? Ukrainian and Canadian Traditions
In Roman Catholic and many Western Christian traditions, Palm Sunday is celebrated with palm branches, recalling the biblical event in which the people of Jerusalem laid palms before Christ as he rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. However, in the Ukrainian Catholic tradition, willow branches (verba) are used instead. This adaptation arose because palm trees do not grow in Ukraine. Willow branches, which bud early in spring, are used instead as they are a fitting symbol of new life and renewal.
The blessing of the willow branches during the Palm Sunday Divine Liturgy is a cherished custom. Afterward, people gently tap one another with the branches, saying, “Не я б’ю, верба б’є, за тиждень – Великдень!” (“It’s not me who strikes, but the willow; in a week – Easter!”) This lighthearted tradition carries a deeper meaning – it is a reminder to stay awake spiritually and prepare ourselves for the resurrection of Christ.
A Reflection on Loyalty and Betrayal
Palm Sunday is not just about celebration; it is also a time of deep reflection. The same people who joyfully welcomed Jesus later demanded his crucifixion. This reminds us of our own tendencies to change, to falter in faith, and to turn away from God when faced with challenges or pressures.
How often do we, like the people of Jerusalem, waver in our faith? One day we are filled with devotion, and the next, we let routine, struggles, or worldly concerns pull us away from God. Palm Sunday calls us to be steadfast in our relationship with Christ, not just during the joyous moments, but even in the trials that inevitably come to us.
The Call to Forgiveness and Renewal
Jesus knew that he would be betrayed, yet he still entered Jerusalem, still loved, and still forgave. This is a powerful lesson for us. We, too, experience betrayal by friends, family, or even within ourselves when we fall into sin. Holding on to resentment and anger can fill our hearts with bitterness, leaving no room for God.
The Lenten journey leading up to Palm Sunday is an invitation to let go of grudges, seek reconciliation, and make room for Christ in our hearts. Just as Jesus forgave those who abandoned him, we are called to forgive, so that we can truly welcome his presence into our lives.
Preparing Our Hearts for Easter
Palm Sunday is not just about remembering an event – it is about preparing our hearts for the Resurrection. As we hold our willow branches, we should ask ourselves: Are we welcoming Jesus into our lives only for a moment, or are we inviting him to stay? Do we allow our faith to be shaped by emotion and circumstance, or is it rooted in true commitment to God?
To truly prepare for Easter, we must:
- Examine our hearts and seek reconciliation through the Holy Mystery of Repentance (confession).
- Strengthen our faith through prayer and reading scripture.
- Practice kindness, charity, forgiveness and selflessness.
- Commit to keeping Christ at the centre of our lives beyond Holy Week.
As we celebrate Palm Sunday, let it be more than a tradition. Let it be a renewal of our faith, a reminder of God’s unwavering love and mercy, and a commitment to walking with Christ – not just for a day, but for a lifetime.