Holy week begins with Palm Sunday. During the week leading up to Easter, Lent reaches its dramatic climax as we remember and re-enact the story of Jesus’ suffering and death, or what we call his Passion. First we hear about Jesus’ king-like entry into the holy city of Jerusalem … on a donkey? Not a very kingly way to ride, but that’s Jesus’ point: He is a new kind of king, the King of Peace foretold by the prophets. Then we hear a long reading about the Last Supper, and Jesus’ Passion.
- Two Gospel readings—one before Mass.
- Palms, a symbol of victory.
- We hear the Passion from the Gospel of Matthew.
