Our Journey with Jesus in Holy Week

Palm Sunday Reflection – Luke 22:14—23:56

This Sunday marks a profound moment in our Lenten journey—the sixth Sunday, celebrated as both Palm Sunday and Passion Sunday. We are invited to walk with Jesus into the heart of His suffering, His sacrifice, and ultimately, His victory. Today’s Gospel reading, from Luke 22:14 to 23:56, immerses us into the fullness of Jesus’ Passion, from the intimacy of the Last Supper to the agony of the cross. It is a sobering and sacred reminder of the depth of His love.

Our pastor invites us to consider the cost of discipleship. As Jesus enters His darkest hour, those closest to Him—His Apostles—falter. Judas betrays Him for silver. Peter, once bold, denies Him out of fear. Others flee, hiding in shame, like the young man who runs away naked, unwilling to be caught up in Jesus' fate. These moments are not just historical—they are mirrors. How often do we, too, wrestle with fear, shame, and the temptation to distance ourselves from Jesus when our faith is tested?

Jesus knew this. He foretold it. And still, He chose love. He chose sacrifice.

“Whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”
(Matthew 16:25, Mark 8:35, Luke 9:24)

These words echo through Holy Week as both a challenge and a promise. Jesus had every power to escape pain, but He didn’t come to save Himself—He came to save us. He embraced suffering, bore our shame, and died the death we deserved so that we might live. His Passion is the ultimate act of selfless love.

As we enter Holy Week, let us not simply observe; let us participate. This journey is not a reenactment—it’s a real invitation to be transformed. The liturgies of Holy Week are not only commemorations but windows into mystery: the mystery of dying and rising with Christ. Our faith calls us to die to sin, pride, and fear—to shed the old self—and rise with Jesus into new life.

St. Paul reminds us:
"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new is here!"
(2 Corinthians 5:17)

This week is sacred. It is the heartbeat of our faith. Let us enter it with reverence, repentance, and readiness to journey closely with Jesus—from the waving of palms to the foot of the cross. Let us not rush to Easter without lingering in the Passion, for it is there that we discover the depth of His love and the true meaning of our discipleship.

May this Holy Week awaken in us a renewed sense of purpose, a deeper faith, and a courageous love that reflects our Savior. As we walk with Him, may we be reminded that we are not alone. He walks with us—through every trial, every cross, and every resurrection moment.

Let us journey well. Let us journey with Him.