OMELIE / Omelie EN

29 mar 2026

29/03/2026 - PALM SUNDAY - Year A

29/03/2026 - PALM SUNDAY - Year A

Procession: Matthew 21:1-11

1st reading: Isaiah 50:4-7 from Psalm 21 2nd reading: Philippians 2:6-11 Gospel: Matthew 26:14 - 27:66

Today we hold olive branches in our hands. It is a gesture willingly performed by all those who attend the celebration. In this way, we imitate those who were present and rejoiced at Jesus' entry into the city of Jerusalem. They acclaimed him as king, even though they did not know how his kingship would manifest itself. He also proclaimed it by sending for the donkey on which no one had yet sat, and then sitting on it: this was a clear sign that he considered himself the descendant of David, that is, the Messiah.

And the olive branches? Those surrounding this king do not wave swords, spears and shields, but rather olive branches, which will become a symbol of peace, recalling Noah. Noah, in his ark still floating on the waters, welcomed the dove that, with an olive branch in its beak, announced the possibility of life on earth devastated by the flood. Those branches will remain on display throughout the year in the homes of those who held them in their hands: they will be placed near a picture or a crucifix.

In this passage of the Gospel, no particular words of Jesus are recorded, apart from those concerning the donkey. Instead, the words of those who accompanied him resound, singing the psalm: 'Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!'

Jesus comes in the name of the Lord, so he will bring God's blessings to all the people and to each and every member of the people. This is a cause for joy and exultation, expressed by the word “Hosanna!”, which is repeated with the certainty of being saved from the evils that oppress each and every one. This cry means, in fact, “Save us, Lord!”. It is a joyful cry because it expresses the certainty of being heard and answered by God, who is our Father. It is also joyful because it is an acclamation of praise to the one to whom it is addressed: we praise Jesus, who is our Saviour!

With this joyful acclamation, we prepare ourselves to hear the announcement of the Passion: in a few days, a cry will resound against Jesus: ‘Crucify him!’ We will still have ‘Hosanna!’ in our hearts and minds, and we will not be scandalised when we see Jesus chained, scourged, mocked, offended, and finally crucified and buried. We will know that the salvation we have invoked, and for which we have praised him, costs him all this. And we still desire and ask for his salvation.

We will arrive at Easter Sunday with a joy that is true, tried, but sure and persevering, which will continue even when we ourselves follow Jesus, carrying our daily crosses. They will not frighten us, because we will offer them up as we await the third day, the day of God.