This past Sunday, was Palm Sunday, the Sunday leading up to Easter, which commemorates Jesus Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, marking the beginning of Holy Week. This significant event is observed by Christians worldwide, serving as a powerful reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice and the values he embodied. The values he embodied are much different than what we are seeing today.

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John describe Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, where he was greeted with palm branches and praise. The crowds recognized him as the Messiah, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies as told in Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, and John 12:12-19. These first four books of the New Testament describe perfectly the prophecies of Old Testament Saints.

Palm branches symbolize victory, peace, and royalty. In this context, they represent Jesus’ claim as the Messiah, the King of Kings. The event showcases Jesus’ humility, riding a donkey, not a warhorse, emphasizing his mission of peace, love and redemption.

Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem contrasts with the world’s expectations of a praised conquering hero. Instead, he came with compassion, healing, and a message of love, challenging the status quo and ultimately leading to his crucifixion, which preceded the greatest miracle ever performed, his Resurrection.

Palm Sunday gives us the opportunity to reflect on our own lives.

Are we willing to humble ourselves, like Jesus on a donkey?

Do we recognize Jesus’ kingship in our daily lives?

How can we embody his values of love, compassion, and service?

As we celebrate Palm Sunday, let’s extend kindness and generosity to others, seek humility and compassion in our interactions, and recognize Jesus’ sacrifice and respond with gratitude.

In the midst of Palm Sunday’s joy, we find a profound call to discipleship. To live out Jesus’ teachings, embracing humility, love, and service.

People celebrate Palm Sunday in various ways, depending on their cultural and denominational background. Many churches hold processions, reenacting Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, often with palm branches.

Churches distribute palm branches, sometimes woven into crosses, to symbolize Jesus’ triumphal entry. Unique prayers, hymns, and readings mark the occasion.

Some communities also Host Passion Plays or reenactments or Participate in charity events or volunteer work. While Christmas and Easter are the two most significant Christian celebrations, only Christmas is a federal holiday.

Palm Sunday, while significant, often serves as a precursor to the Holy Week and Easter.

Christmas was declared a federal holiday in the US in 1870, while Easter remains a movable feast which refers to a holiday or celebration that doesn’t have a fixed date on the calendar, making it harder to establish as a holiday. While Easter may not be a free day off work, it remains equally important to all believing Christians.