Palm Sunday: Walking with Jesus from Hosanna to the Cross
By Deacon Richard
Original Christian Song:
This Sunday, we begin the holiest week of the Christian year. Palm Sunday is a day of contrasts—shouts of “Hosanna!” echo through the streets of Jerusalem, but the shadow of the Cross looms close behind. We wave palm branches in joyful procession, only to soon hear the somber words of the Passion. Why such contrast? Because this is the paradox of Christian hope: that through suffering, comes glory.
1. The Obedient Servant – Isaiah 50:4–7
The first reading introduces us to the “Suffering Servant.” Isaiah gives us the image of someone who listens carefully to God, even in the midst of persecution. “I gave my back to those who beat me... I have not rebelled.” It is a picture of quiet courage, rooted not in strength alone, but in trust.
As a Deacon, I’ve sat with families facing difficulties and trials. What I’ve seen in many faithful hearts is exactly this: not resignation, but perseverance. Isaiah reminds us that even when we do not feel strong, God gives us “a well-trained tongue” and a “listening ear” to speak a word of hope to others.
2. The Cry of the Forsaken – Psalm 22
“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” Jesus takes these words on His lips from the Cross. They are raw, painful—and deeply human.
This Psalm, though, doesn’t end in despair. It moves toward confidence: “You who fear the Lord, give praise... For He has not spurned the prayer of the afflicted.” In a world filled with anxiety and isolation, Psalm 22 gives voice to our pain, while pointing to the fidelity of God. Even when we feel forsaken—He is near.
3. The Humble King – Philippians 2:6–11
Saint Paul gives us a profound hymn: Though He was in the form of God, Jesus did not deem equality with God something to be grasped... but emptied Himself.
This humility is not weakness. It is love. A love willing to go all the way—for us. Jesus chooses the Cross not because He is powerless, but because He is merciful. In our age of self-promotion and constant comparison, Jesus shows us a better way: the way of humility, obedience, and total self-gift.
As a husband, father, and servant in the Church, I find myself constantly needing this reminder: God exalts what the world overlooks. When we humble ourselves in faith—He lifts us up.
4. The Passion – Luke 23:1–49
Luke’s Passion account is full of mercy. Jesus is silent before His accusers. He consoles the women of Jerusalem. He forgives His executioners. And in one of the most moving moments in all of Scripture, He turns to the repentant thief: “Today you will be with me in Paradise.”
If you’re reading this and feeling like you’ve drifted from the Lord—take heart. The good thief wasn’t perfect. But he turned to Jesus, even in his last hour. That’s all it took.
Walking into Holy Week
Palm Sunday is not just a commemoration—it’s a call.
To walk with Jesus this week is to walk the way of the Cross in our own lives. It means offering our daily sufferings to Him, forgiving even when it’s hard, and standing at the foot of the Cross with Mary.
If you’re carrying something heavy today, know this: you are not alone. Christ walks with you. And the story doesn’t end at Calvary—Resurrection is coming.
Let us enter this Holy Week together—with hearts open, hands lifted, and eyes fixed on Jesus.
Let’s journey to the Cross… so we may rise with Him in glory.
In Christ,
Deacon Richard
✢