Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

29 March 2026

 

First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-7

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24

Second Reading: Philippians 2:6-11

Gospel: Matthew 26:14—27:66

 

Reflection

By: Anton B. Ocampo

 

“How the tables have turned.” This is said in response to a rather surprising and unexpected reversal of fate, fortune, or even plans. Usually, this is said when one, who after a rather lengthy period of possessing power, loses it in some way, shape, or form. In the eyes of many, this is a surprise, especially given the fact that due to the rather lengthy of period of this person or groups possessing a significant amount of power in society, many will come to the notion that it will take ages for them to lose it.

As a matter of fact, this turn of events or twist of fate, whichever one desires to call it, is already stressed upon the proclamation of the First Reading. The First Reading introduces the promised Messiah as the Suffering Servant. Come to think of it, the words in the Responsorial Psalm also foretells the rejection and sufferings the promised Messiah and Savior will endure in the hands of His enemies once the time comes. As clearly stressed by Saint Paul the Apostle in the Second Reading, the words from the First Reading and the Responsorial Psalm were fulfilled through Christ Jesus, who humbly embraced all of these in humble obedience and faithfulness to the Father.

Today is Palm Sunday. It is on this very day that two Gospel readings are proclaimed during the Mass. The first Gospel reading is the narrative of the Solemn Entry of the Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, which is proclaimed during the first part of the Mass which is none other than the Procession and Blessing of the Palms. Jesus enters Jerusalem triumphantly with the people waving palm branches to greet Him. However, the Gospel proclaimed at the second part of the Mass is the lengthy narrative of the Passion of Christ from the Synoptic Gospels (in the case of this year, we hear the narrative which is found in the Gospel of Matthew) – we hear the narrative of the Passion of the Lord from the Gospel of John exclusively on Good Friday. Depending on the decision of the Priest in charge of whichever Parish, Chapel, Shrine, or even Basilica, some may hear the long form while others may hear the short form. Which ever form is being proclaimed, we hear how the Lord Jesus experiences something which would be considered, in the perspective of an outsider, as a turn of the tables. The tables (or tide) have turned for Him on that fateful day. From entering Jerusalem triumphantly, with people cheering for Him as they wave palm branches, Jesus experiences rejection as He is being sentenced to death on the Cross.

We all know that way before all the events that was narrated in the second Gospel occurred, Jesus knew that He was destined to experience the great amount of rejection and suffering. Jesus could have chose to not come to the world so that all of these will not happen in the first place. Even if it meant that humanity perishes of their sinful nature, it would have been better for Him to stay in His heavenly kingdom since it would be considered the path of least resistance and suffering. However, even though He is aware that tremendous amount of pain and suffering awaits, Jesus freely and humbly decided to offer Himself as, what His cousin and forerunner John the Baptist describes as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29). Out of His great love, mercy, and compassion for all of us, He chose to humbly assume the role of Messiah and Savior, even if it meant death on the Cross. 

Jesus showed through His Passion, Death, and Resurrection that He truly values and cherishes all of us. This is the primary reason why He came to the world. All He has ever desired is to save us. In response to how we are valued, loved, and cherished by Jesus, let us always express our love and gratitude to Him by exalting Him through word and deed. Let us live our faith and hope in every moment of our lives. 

Prayer

With humble and grateful hearts, we exalt You, O loving, merciful, and compassionate Lord Jesus Christ. Through Your Most Holy Cross, You have saved us. Forgive us, O Crucified Lord and King, for the numerous sins that we have committed against You. Grant us the grace to humbly live according to Your will. Amen.