Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion

For years and years, I have disliked the Gospel reading for Palm Sunday. I never felt comfortable reading the parts of the Gospel where the congregation reads aloud the people questioning the use of the perfumed oil used by the woman to anoint our Lord, persecuting Peter for having followed Christ, and crying out for Christ's own death.

This year, though, I think I appreciate in a new way why the Church has the congregation read those portions of the Gospel on this day.

Do we not wag our fingers and shake our heads as we gossip about people who we are jealous of? Do we not roll our eyes at someone who is perhaps, doing a better job of following Christ's teachings than we are? Do we not choose expedience, ease and evil over good every day in this country?

We *need* to see ourselves as we are--guilty of the Lord's Passion and Death by our decisions to turn towards sin and away from His love.

Palm Sunday

Today is Palm Sunday. In the festive beginning of Mass, we remember Jesus' triumphant ride into Jerusalem, where he was hailed as Messiah and adored with palm branches. By the close of Mass, the mood is somber as we move into Holy Week and prepare for Christ's death and Resurrection.

Let us be especially attentive this week, to fasting from earthly joys, in preparation for the coming of Christ. Let is offer up our meager suffering in union with Christ's, for our brothers and sisters who journey on this earth with us.

When you get your palms home, look at this Italian heritage site, which has some directions for weaving palms. It is traditional to weave them and place them behind holy pictures and crucifixes around your home.

Palm Braiding

What to do with the palms we will receive on Palm Sunday? Why not join the tradition of Palm Braiding? The braided palms are often placed behind crucifixes, icons and holy pictures throughout the home.

This website gives directions on various types of palm braiding.

Of course, we could get ambitious and make a bouquet of palms for Our Lord! This one was made by Cathy T. over on the Delphi NFP board.

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday's Mass is a bit of an emotional roller coaster. It begins with the joyous processing with palm branches. Often, the congregation includes people who have not come to church the rest of the year. The mood is festive. The children are excited to get their own palms.

The mood quickly changes, though, at the first reading and Psalm as we enter into Holy Week and commemorate Christ's death.

Palm Sunday

Psalm for Palm Sunday--Psalm 22

R: My God, My God, why have you abandoned me?

1) All who see me
deride me
they curl their lips
they wag their heads
"He trusted in the Lord.
Let Him save Him,
let Him release Him,
If this is his friend.

R: My God, My God, why have you abandoned me?

2) Many dogs have surrounded me
the wicked, they oppress me.
They have pierced my hands and feet.
They lay me in the dust of death--
I can count all my bones.

R: My God, My God, why have you abandoned me?

3) They divide my garments among them.
For my vesture they cast lots.
But You, Oh Lord be near me
--be not far from me--
Hasten to help me.

R: My God, My God, why have you abandoned me?

4) I will sing your name to my brethren
in the assembly I will praise you.
Praise the Lord, you who fear Him
--all you descendants of Jacob
give Him glory

R: My God, My God, why have you abandoned me?

Palm Sunday palm braiding tradition

This Sunday is Palm Sunday--the start of Holy Week. The Cafeteria is Closed reminded me of the tradition of braiding palms. I found a different link that shows how to braid the palms you get on Palm Sunday.

This picture (above) shows the finished braid which is similar to the kind my dad used to make for us. Alas, I have to look up the technique each year! The tradition is to braid the palm and put it behind any icons, crucifixes or holy pictures that you have around the house. This picture (below) shows a technique for braiding palms into a crown of thorns. I have never seen this before, but is so very appropriate for Holy Week.

The Link I have highlighted here gives a few other possibilities as well. Try it out this Palm Sunday!