Palm Sunday is one of the most important Feast for Christians around the world.
It reminds us about the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on his donkey, while everybody cheered him up with palm tree branches.
This Sunday introduces us to the Holy Week, which ends up with Jesus lying down His life for the sins of the world.
Let’s discover 5 facts about this very important Christian Feast.
1. Jesus’ Arrival Stirred the People
A lot of people went before and after Jesus, laying their coats and palm tree branches along the streets, in contrast with His humbly entry, already prophesied in Zechariah 9:9, approximately 500 years before His birth. Palm branches symbolize joy and triumph. He was welcomed with shouts of:
“Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is HE who comes in the name of the Lord;
Hosanna in the highest!”
2. Palm Sunday is about Peace and Salvation
While Pontius Pilate came into Jerusalem with his soldiers for Passover, Jesus came on a donkey with His disciples unarmed, in order to demonstrate the Kingdom of God is Peace. Despite Jesus being a king, he did not come into Jerusalem sitting on a white horse after victory in a battle, but riding a donkey. While the Romans came showing strength, He came to demonstrate God’s grace.
You can now adorn your home with symbols of peace and salvation to celebrate Palm Sunday, such as this magnificent handmade mosaic, representing two white doves bringing on their beak an olive branch.
3. Jesus wept for Jerusalem
While coming into Jerusalem, Jesus already knew it wouldn’t be long that those same people who wave at him would turn their backs on Him, betraying Him and crucifying Him. Exactly like Mary wept with others the death of her Son, Jesus Christ wept over the city of Jerusalem.
4. Many Catholic Churches Celebrate Palm Sunday with Reenactments
In order to honor the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, many churches celebrate Palm Sunday with reenactments of that day. Catholic priests bless palm and olive branches with Holy Water and then distribute them to congregants.
Shop now your Holy Water bottle!
5. Palm Branches are not Thrown Out
After the service for Palm Sunday, as the palms that have been used are blessed, they cannot be thrown away as rubbish; in fact, they are burned.
Over the years, many Christians have used the palm or olive branches to decorate their homes. You can tuck them behind a religious picture or crucifix or wall cross.
If you still don’t have one, you may consider a wall cross that sums up the main steps of Jesus’ Life, especially indicated for Easter season, like the one below.
Get your wall cross for Easter in sign of peace and adorn your home with Catholic articles, blessed by Pope Francis. It will help you protect your family.
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