Today is Palm Sunday marked all over the world to commemorate the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.
Christians all over the world today celebrate and commemorate Palm Sunday marking Jesus ‘ triumphal entry into Jerusalem over 2000 years ago. It also begins the Holy Week, the last week of Jesus’ earthly ministry and culminates on Easter Sunday.
Speaking on the significance of the day and other activities of the week, which include Holy Thursday and Good Friday, Rev. Fr. Michael Aghadi of the Divine Physician and St Luke, Catholic Church Idi-Araba, noted that “whatever happened within the Holy Week gave birth to the centre of the Christian worship. Whatever happened within this week gave birth to the rise of Christianity because it marks the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ which began with the triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.”
According to him the day is celebrated with palms, which signify royalty, peace and salvation.
Speaking further, the priest described Easter “as a time of renewal, a time of newness; light triumphing over darkness and life triumphing over death.”
High point of the week for the Catholic faithfuls include the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and instituted the Holy Eucharist as well as the priesthood, the Good Friday celebrations and Easter vigil Mass.
Also speaking on the significance of Palm Sunday and Easter, Pastor Sunny Maduagwu of the Four Square Gospel Church said every Christian should use this period to reflect on why Jesus died on the cross and what His death meant to them. “If you acknowledge that Jesus died to save you, then you should also reflect on your life. Are you living like someone who has been saved? What are you going to give up for the sake of Christianity?
He re-echoed Rev. Fr. Aghadi’s submission that events of the Easter week gave birth to Christianity as he asks, “what if Jesus had not died? His death and resurrection is the basis of the Christianity we are enjoying today.”
For Rosemary Iwu, Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the Salvation of mankind in general and hers particular. “On this day (Palm Sunday) many years ago, Jesus knowing what awaited Him in Jerusalem still went there and surrendered to a shameful and painful death on the cross just so humanity can be saved. Just so I can be saved.
“But it didn’t end with His death. He triumphed over death and now we have the opportunity of knowing him, and sharing in his life,” she said.
For her therefore, “Palm Sunday through to Easter is a time to remember, reflect, rejoice and thank God for his unconditional love and care and strive to like Jesus.”
