Scripture Reflection - March 29, 2026

Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion

Matthew 21: 1-11 | Isaiah 50: 4-7  | Philippians 2: 6-11  | Matthew 26: 27-66

We often refer to life here on earth as a journey—one that has a starting point and a termination or destination. I want to invite you to reflect on some starting points in your life and let the memories flow as they will.

Recall, if you can, your presence in a first-grade classroom. Some of us were learning the alphabet in that sing-song way it was taught to us. We moved along to sight words and learning how to read. Success and accomplishment! Recall, if you can, who taught you the alphabet and how to read. In your heart, thank them by name.

Now, let’s jump to our high school years, where we were challenged to multitask. We learned biology, geometry, and Latin. We were invited to participate in activities and clubs, to join choirs and performances, service activities, and religious events. Recall, if you can, who were the most meaningful role models and welcoming Individuals who accompanied you and guided you through these formative years. In your heart, thank them by name.

Let’s fast forward to today—forty, fifty, sixty, or seventy years later. We find ourselves preparing for yet another Palm Sunday liturgical celebration. We are looking over the readings, praying for guidance and inspiration to comfort us, support us, and challenge us. We have been here before. We have done this forty, fifty, sixty, or seventy times before. What is different about this time? What is unique about today, this Palm Sunday celebration? What are we being invited or called to do? What are we potentially being welcomed to learn? Who will accompany us? Where is this journey leading us?

We have repeatedly shared in the journey of Jesus—from the infancy narratives, through his days in ministry healing the sick, raising the dead, feeding the hungry, and welcoming strangers to the table of love, where all are welcome.

As I break open the word today, I am most struck by the following excerpts from the journey of Jesus—from his being raised up to his being literally beaten down.

First, we hear a recognition and joyful celebration of God among us:

“Hosanna to the Son of David;

Blessed is one who comes in the name of the Lord,

Hosanna in the highest.”

Then we hear an exaltation and lifting up of Jesus the Christ:

“God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name …

That at the name of Jesus every knee shall bend

And every tongue confess

That Jesus Christ is Lord.”

Then sadly, those who raised him up now betrayed him.

Those who were comforted by him now abandoned him when he needed comforting.

“Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”

“Jesus cried out in a loud voice…”

“Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, and gave up his spirit.”

This Palm Sunday journey of our brother Jesus is reflected in the two pictures of St. Dominic, one in prayerful contemplation with a contented look on his face, and the other of him crying, filled with sorrow.

As we celebrate this Palm Sunday together, let us consider what we are being called to do in response to the needs of God’s people, and let us hear what we are being called to learn.

Sr. Ellenrita Purcaro, OP