Sunday Sermon - Palm Sunday

Growing up, everyone in my family always had a crucifix hanging on the wall in our bedrooms, and every Palm Sunday we’d get our little palm cross and hang it with our crucifix. Today, I want to share why this practice is so meaningful.

First, let's understand the difference between a crucifix and a cross. A crucifix depicts Jesus on the cross, emphasizing His sacrifice and death. In contrast, a plain cross is empty, signifying His resurrection and triumph over death.

Now, consider the palm cross. The palm represents Christ’s kingship, reminding us of His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, which we celebrate today. The cross symbolizes Christ’s death, the ultimate act of love and redemption. But unlike the crucifix, Jesus is not there; the cross is empty, for He is risen.

The palm cross, tucked behind the crucifix, serves as a poignant reminder that Jesus' story does not end with the crucifixion. It symbolizes hope and the full story of our Lord. This story begins today with His glorious and majestic ride into Jerusalem and culminates next Sunday with the Resurrection.

Indeed, the palm of glory, the cross of crucifixion, and the empty cross of resurrection tell the full story of our faith. This one little symbol encapsulates the essence of our Christian journey, from triumph to sacrifice to ultimate victory.

Then, when it gets close to Ash Wednesday, we’d take our palm crosses down and give them to our priest to burn, for the ashes will become the ashes that are imposed on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday… and our crucifixes once again only symbolize the death of Christ until next Palm Sunday when we once again receive our new palm crosses and rejoice in our Lord’s kingship, mourn his death and celebrate his resurrection.

May this Palm Sunday remind us of the hope and promise of the Resurrection, and may we carry this symbol in our hearts, reflecting on the depth of Christ's love and the fullness of His story. 

Amen.