Palm Sunday

Matthew 21:1-11

In Homily 81, St. Jerome states that the donkey that Jesus rides in the procession into Jerusalem represents Israel and their long-standing relationship with the Lord, while the colt signifies the new faith of the Gentiles. St. Jerome argues that because the Lord is carried into the city by both he is symbolically ushering Jews and Gentiles together into the Church (Ignatius Catholic Bible Study). Within us too dwells a piece of our character long familiar with God, and another in which He often seems like an unwanted foreigner. We alone cannot reconcile the two, and like the infant church of Jew and Gentile, only the Lord can integrate them together.

There do not appear to be many references in the Old Testament to the word ‘Hosanna.’ However, during each morning of the Feast of Tabernacles, prayers called ‘hosannas’ are recited, and the seventh day of the celebration is called ‘the Great Hosanna.’ Although Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem on this occasion is not connected to that feast, in Jewish custom seven is a number of ‘divine completion’. This element of the word ‘Hosanna’ would have been common knowledge to the Jews welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem. He rides from the East towards the city on a donkey and a colt thus fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy (9:9) and Isaiah 62:11. As depicted in 1 Kings 1:32-40, Macc 5:45-54, Josephus, War 7:70-71 (The New Oxford Annotated Bible), palm branches were customarily used to greet a king home after a successful battle. Here, however, He arrives on a humble donkey in peace. Indeed, Christ does Divinely complete the prophesies.

The term ‘Hosanna’ means ‘Save us,’ but became over time in Jewish custom an expression of joy, praise, and devotion. It was used in this way during the Feast of Tabernacles. Resources state that the original meaning of ‘Hosanna’ was lost, and morphed into this expression of joy. This is ironic because, indeed, the people saying ‘Hosanna’ did in fact need to be saved. With insight and hindsight we understand that salvation and joy are inexplicably linked. Perhaps each is richest when they join together. Is there not ultimate joy in the Passion, for it leads to the Resurrection? So too, many such moments of joy and salvation are mini-moments of Divine completion. His death did save us, and should move us to express joy.

Journal Questions

Chunk your life into compartments (list them.)
In which pieces has the Lord also been present, and in what areas is He an interloper?
How can you open yourself to His presence more fully?

Writing Exercise

Recount a time of great joy. Was there a possible salvation within that moment of joy? How did the moment lead to completion or fulfillment?

Creative Arts

Fabric Arts-Use seven elements in a piece, and reflect on your sense of its “completion,” or lack thereof.

Paper Arts– Create a piece titled ‘Hosanna.’

Home Arts- Plan a celebration and somehow symbolize within that celebration what you have been saved from.

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