Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion

On the sixth Sunday during Lent we have a unique liturgical feature: two gospels. At the start of the Mass, there is a gospel proclaimed that recalls Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, the event we remember as “Palm Sunday.” What follows the reading of that gospel is a procession which serves as the entry of the priest celebrant into the sanctuary. The celebration of the Mass continues. Then, as part of the Liturgy of the Word, there is a second gospel proclaimed: the Passion narrative.  It is the proclamation of the two gospels that gives the Sunday its formal name. While we often refer to it as Palm Sunday, the correct title of the celebration is “Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion.”

One way in which to view the Passion narrative is as an play in three Acts: love portrayed, love betrayed and love on display.

Love protrayed in Jesus’ desire to share the Passover table and to then institute the Eucharirst, as well as the love between Father and Son in the prayers in the garden.

Love betrayed by Judas, disciples running away at Jesus’ arrest, Peter’s denial, and so much more.

Love on display – arms outstreached on the cross, connecting heaven and earth, open to his Father’s will, and open to receive all who believe into the salvation offered by his sacrifice.

The Passion narrative is a lengthy reading. You can find the full text of the Sunday gospel here. And if you are interested in a detailed commentary, one is available here.