Palm Sunday? Already?

Palm Sunday is this Sunday. It sure seems like Lent went by very quickly this year. At the beginning of Lent, we received the gift of ashes on our foreheads as a reminder to repent and believe in the Gospel. I wonder how many who received the ashes were able to live this out during Lent? What Gospel message did you receive during Lent and share with the community, church, and cosmos? Now at the end of Lent, we receive another gift: palm branches. Why palms? In ancient times, palm branches symbolized goodness and victory. Often you would find palm branches on coins and important buildings. Solomon even had them carved into the walls and doors of the temple. As you know, Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus entering Jerusalem during which people threw palm branches in his path. Nowadays it would be a red carpet and, instead of a donkey, a limo or popemobile. After the palm branches are blessed, a procession (a parade) follows. Thus, begins Holy Week during which we recall Jesus’ death and resurrection. Don’t you wonder how the people who honored him felt after Good Friday? This week is one of ups and downs. We celebrate, we fear, we grieve, we hope, and by Easter we truly celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection.