Lk 19:28-40 (Procession) Is 50:4-7; Ps 22 various; Phil 2:6-11; Lk 22:14-23:56
The liturgies of what we have traditionally called “Holy Week” do not follow the normal pattern we usually follow. We begin this week by adding a special ritual to the beginning of Mass. We are recalling a part of Christ’s life, his journey into Jerusalem. This trip to Jerusalem will end in his death. But the journey begins in triumph with people proclaiming him king: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord.”
This entry into Jerusalem reminds us of a prophecy about the messiah:
“Exult greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout for joy, O daughter Jerusalem! Behold: your king is coming to you, a just savior is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Zechariah 9:9
We all receive palm branches before Mass that are blessed during the opening ritual. Then, we hear the gospel that tells the story of Jesus going to Jerusalem, this year Luke 19:28-40. Next, we process into church, symbolizing our willingness to follow Jesus and our belief that he is the messiah. Some churches, often in warmer climates, will do this ritual outside and invite all present to be part of the procession into church with palms and singing. Mass continues with the Opening Prayer. The other usual Introductory Rites are omitted.
The rest of the Mass continues in normal fashion with one addition: the proclamation of a longer gospel, the Passion of Christ, Luke 22:14-23:56. This Passion story begins with the account of the Last Supper, continues through the events of Jesus’ life over the next day including his death, and ends with Joseph of Arimathea providing a tomb to bury Jesus.
Prepare for Mass by spending some time in prayer, either with the Palm gospel, the Passion story, or both. Read it slowly and imagine yourself as a bystander or a character in the story. Or read a little at a time and note any words, phrases, or images that strike you. Reflect on this question: What does the passion and death of Christ mean in my day-to-day life?
