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Why do we process with palms before the Mass?

During the time of Jesus, palm branches were often-depicted imagery for victory. The palm branch represented goodness and well-being and was symbolic of the final victory that Jesus would soon fulfill over death.

“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Cor. 15:55

Why did Jesus enter Jerusalem on a donkey?

Jesus chose to ride in on a donkey because it directly fulfilled the Old Testament prophecy of Zechariah. In Biblical times, it was common for kings or important people to arrive by a procession riding on a donkey. The donkey symbolized peace, so those who chose to ride them showed that they came with peaceful intentions. Jesus even then reminded us that He is the Prince of Peace.

"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." Zech. 9:9

What does the word “Hosanna” mean?

Originally this was a word of urgent supplication, meaning something like: Come to our aid! The priests would repeat it in a monotone chant on the seventh day of the Feast of Tabernacles, while processing it seven times around the altar of sacrifice, as an urgent prayer for rain.

However, as the Feast of Tabernacles gradually changed from a feast of petition into one of praise, so too the cry for help turned more and more into a shout of jubilation.

By the time of Jesus, the word Hosanna had acquired Messianic overtones. When people shouted “Hosanna!” they were hailing Christ as King, hoping for a great warrior. But Jesus did not come on a mission of violence; he is not instigating a military revolt against Rome. His power is of another kind: it is in God’s poverty, God’s peace, that he identifies the only power that can redeem.

"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" Psalm 118:26

Palm Sunday reminds us that the reign of Christ is far greater than anything we could ever conceive. Hearing our cries, God sent his only Son to fight the final battle over death. This is the greatness of why we celebrate this week. Because of Christ's ultimate sacrifice, we are set free of death.

“I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies.'" John 11:25



Author Bio:
Deacon Dan Vaughn