Palm Sunday Liturgy

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. The procession with palms, which was already observed in Jerusalem in the fourth century, calls to mind the triumphal entry of Jesus, our Lord and King, into Jerusalem. The procession is fundamentally an act of worship, witness, and devotion to our Lord.

The purpose of Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem was to fulfill his Father’s will; thus it is fitting that this service continues with the reading of the Passion Gospel in which the whole story of the week is anticipated. The emphasis of the liturgy turns to the days that lie ahead in Holy Week. We who hail Jesus as King one moment, may in the next deny him, even joining with the crowd in shouting, “Crucify him!”

Pastor: Hosanna to the Son of David, the King of Israel.

People: Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!

Doxology

Dear brothers and sisters, from the beginning of Lent until now we have been preparing our hearts by repentance and self-sacrifice. Today, with the whole Church, we herald the beginning of the celebration of the Easter Mystery. On this day our Lord Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem and was welcomed as King with palms and shouts of praise. Today we greet him as our King, though we know his crown was a crown of thorns, and his throne a Cross.

Therefore, I invite you to follow our Lord this Holy Week, from his triumphal entry, through his suffering and death, to the glory of his resurrection.

Pastor: The Lord be with you

People: And also with you

Pastor: Let us pray

Assist us mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that we may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Deacon: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

People: Glory to you, Lord Christ

Matthew 21:1-11

Deacon: The Gospel of the Lord.

People: Praise to you, Lord Christ!

Let us pray:

We praise you, Almighty God, for the acts of love by which you have redeemed us through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. On this day he entered the holy city of Jerusalem in triumph, and was hailed as King by those who spread their garments and branches of palm along his way. Sanctify these branches with your blessing, we humbly pray, that they may be for us signs of his victory. Grant that we who bear them in his Name may ever hail him as our King, and follow him in the way that leads to eternal life; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Pastor: Hosanna to the Son of David, the King of Israel.

People: Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!

Deacon: Let us go forth in peace.

People: In the Name of Christ. Amen

All Glory Be to Christ