So much news about war and hunger in the world today, that some thoughts about Palm Sunday may be apt, leaving the newspapers and broadcasts, to dwell on the wars and famines in so many parts of the world.
When somewhat younger I used to wonder why Palm Sunday services at least in Roman Catholic churches, were usually rather down beat with any music and singing being of the solemn variety.
After all, my understanding of what actually occurred to Jesus Christ at the time, is that he was hugely cheered on by the crowds, thus part of one of the Catholic gospels for tomorrow reads:
Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
And when he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he drew near to Beth′phage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village opposite, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat; untie it and bring it here. If any one asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this, ‘The Lord has need of it.’” So those who were sent went away and found it as he had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their garments on the colt they set Jesus upon it. And as he rode along, they spread their garments on the road. As he was now drawing near, at the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” And some of the Pharisees in the multitude said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”
Now of slightly older age, I appreciate that a point of the rather sombre note of Palm Sunday, is that the crowds who were at the time cheering Christ, would soon be seeking from Pontius Pilate his crucifixion.
Hence perhaps the somehat serious vein of Palm Sunday Catholic mass.
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