As Jesus drew nigh to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, unto mount Olivet, He sent two disciples, saying to them: “Go ye into the village that is over against you, and immediately you shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them and bring them to me. And if any man shall say anything to you, say ye, that the Lord hath need of them: and forthwith he will let them go.” (Matthew 21:1-3)

All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying:

“Tell ye the daughter of Sion: Behold thy king cometh to thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.” (Matthew 21:4-5; fulfilling Zacharias 9:9)

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Sion, shout for joy, O daughter of Jerusalem: Behold thy King will come to thee, the just and saviour: he is poor, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. (Zacharias 9:9)

The disciples brought the ass and the colt, and laid their garments upon them, and made Him sit thereon. And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way: and others cut boughs from the trees, and strewed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before and that followed, cried, saying:

“Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.” (Matthew 21:8-9)

“Hosanna” is a cry of praise and supplication meaning “Save us now!” or “Save, we pray!” The crowds acclaimed Jesus as the Messiah, the King of Israel, fulfilling the prophecy of Psalm 117:26 (Hebrew numbering; Psalm 118:26 in many English versions):

“Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord. We have blessed you out of the house of the Lord.” (Psalm 117:26)

The Significance of Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. It is a day of joyful acclamation, as the people welcomed Jesus with royal honors, spreading palm branches and garments before Him. Yet it foreshadows the sorrow to come, for many who cried “Hosanna” would soon cry “Crucify him” (see Matthew 27).

Jesus entered not as a conquering warrior on a horse, but meek and humble, riding upon an ass — the beast of peace and lowliness. His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). He came to deliver His people not from earthly oppressors alone, but from sin and eternal death, offering Himself as the true Passover Lamb (John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7).

On Palm Sunday, the Church recalls:

• The fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in Christ.
• Jesus’ rightful kingship as the Son of David and the just Saviour.
• The contrast between the people’s expectation of an earthly deliverer and God’s plan of redemption through the Cross.
• The invitation to welcome Jesus not only with outward signs of praise (such as palms), but with sincere faith, repentance, and total surrender of our hearts to Him as King.

In the liturgy, many churches bless and distribute palm branches (or other branches where palms are unavailable), which are carried in procession while singing hymns such as “All Glory, Laud, and Honour.” The palms remind the faithful of the triumphal entry and also serve as a sacramental sign pointing to the victory of the Cross and the Resurrection.

In summary, Palm Sunday calls believers to join the ancient multitude in crying “Hosanna to the Son of David!” — acknowledging Jesus Christ as Lord and King — while remembering that the path of true glory passes through His Passion and leads to the triumph of Easter. May we, like the crowds on that day, spread before Him the garments of our lives and welcome Him with true devotion.