O God, who, by the wonderful order of Thy disposition, wast pleased to make known the dispensation of our salvation even from insensible things, grant, we beseech Thee, that the devout hearts of Thy faithful may understand in a manner profitable to salvation what is mystically signified when on this day, the multitude, inspired by heavenly illumination, went forth to meet their Redeemer, and strewed branches of palm and olive at His feet. The branches of palms, therefore, signify His triumphs over the prince of death, and the branches of olives, proclaim the arrival of a spiritual anointing. For that blessed company of men understood even then that these things were then prefigured: that our Redeemer, in compassion for the wretchedness of mankind, was about to fight with the prince of death for the life of the whole world, and by dying to triumph. And therefore, they dutifully ministered such things as signified in Him the triumphs of victory and the richness of mercy.
And we also, with full faith, retaining both the deed and its meaning, humbly beseech Thee, o Lord, holy Father, almighty everlasting God, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, that in Him and through Him, whose members Thou hast been pleased to make us, we may become victorious over the dominion of death, and merit to be partakers of His glorious Resurrection. Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. (The third prayer of the blessing of the palms.)
(Don’t forget to send photos of your Palm Sunday liturgies to photopost@newliturgicalmovement.org!)
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| The Entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, by Giotto, from the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua. 1304-06 |
(Don’t forget to send photos of your Palm Sunday liturgies to photopost@newliturgicalmovement.org!)
