Palm Sunday is a significant feast day in the Christian world.
During his life on earth, Jesus Christ entered the holy city of Jerusalem on many occasions. On this occasion, he entered it for the last time. He was received by those dwelling in Jerusalem as their Lord and king. But, his entry did not initiate the type of reign the people supposed it would, as it led to the path of the cross -- the path of death.
Jesus walked this path in order to enter the new heavenly Jerusalem through his victory over sin and death resulting in his resurrection, and his ascension.
Prior to entering the city, he asked his disciples to bring him a donkey. They laid their garments upon it and set Christ upon its back. The whole town greeted him waving palm branches. All the people, especially the children, went before and after him, crying out: "Hosanna: Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord, the King of Israel" (John 12:13).
The branches of the palm trees symbolize the new type of kingdom that Christ ushered in. The word hosanna means "save, I pray," or "save, now."
The church teaches us to follow the example of the apostles and the citizens of Jerusalem, by entering his kingdom.
It's not only a heavenly kingdom that will one day merge with the earth, but also a present kingdom of grace, love, and sacrifice here and now, "on earth as it is in heaven."
So as we wave palms on Sunday, let's remember the king who has come, who now reigns and rules, and who will one day return to establish his kingdom on earth forever. Let our "hosanna!" be like that those who greeted him in the holy city more than 2,000 years ago.
(Editor's note: Oanca, 2nd Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Chemical Brigade chaplain.)
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