Palm Sunday Year C (April 13, 2025)

• Procession – Luke 19:28-40: Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey and receiving a royal welcome from the crowds who hailed him as the Messiah and King who came in the name of the Lord.
• First Reading – Isaiah 50:4-7: The prophet’s unwavering faith in God’s help and faithfulness in times of struggle, even in the face of opposition and ridicule, and his determination to continue proclaiming God’s message despite the challenges he faced.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 22: Psalm 22 is a lamentation that expresses feelings of abandonment, isolation, and despair, yet also includes expressions of trust and hope in God’s deliverance and salvation. It is a powerful prayer that resonates with many who have experienced deep suffering and pain.
• Second Reading – Philippians 2:6-11: This reading highlights the humility and obedience of Jesus in his sacrifice for humanity, emphasizing his willingness to empty himself and become a servant, ultimately submitting to death on the cross. The passage calls for believers to follow Jesus’ example of humility and service, recognizing him as Lord and King of all.
• Gospel – Luke 22:1-23:56: The events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion, including the Last Supper, his arrest, trial, and eventual crucifixion. The passage highlights the shame and suffering associated with this form of execution, as well as the magnitude of Jesus’ love for humanity.

Palm Sunday Year C (Passion Sunday) marks the beginning of Holy Week. It is a day when we remember Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and the events leading to His Passion.

• Jesus as King: Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy of a humble king. The people welcome Him with shouts of joy, recognizing His kingship.
• Obedience to God’s Will: In Philippians, Paul writes about Jesus humbling Himself and becoming obedient to death. This shows Jesus’ commitment to God’s plan.
• Suffering Servant: The reading from Isaiah describes a servant who suffers and does not turn away from insults. This points to Jesus’ suffering and His acceptance of it.
• Betrayal and Loyalty: The Gospel of Luke recounts Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial. These stories remind us of human weakness and the importance of loyalty to Jesus.
• The Passion of Christ: The Gospel reading details Jesus’ arrest, trial, crucifixion, and death. It highlights the suffering He endured for our salvation.
• Salvation Through Jesus: Philippians speaks of Jesus being exalted by God and given the name above all names. This shows that through His suffering and resurrection, Jesus offers salvation to all.

Palm Sunday Year C (Passion Sunday) invites us to reflect on Jesus’ journey to the cross. It reminds us of His love, sacrifice, and the salvation He offers.

See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for Palm Sunday Year C (Passion Sunday).

Where Have You Been? (Reflection on the Passion of Jesus Christ)

On Palm Sunday Year C (Passion Sunday), we reflect on the sentencing of Jesus and His journey to the cross. This reflection helps us understand the depth of Jesus’ love and sacrifice. As we read the scripture and imagine ourselves in the scene, we are challenged to consider how we would respond if we were there. Jesus faced false accusations and remained silent, showing His trust in God’s plan. When we feel powerless or afraid, we can remember that Jesus invites us to be with Him in His suffering, giving us the strength to face our own challenges.

Lent and Triduum Cryptogram Puzzle

On Palm Sunday Year C (Passion Sunday), introducing youth to the vocabulary of Lent and Triduum can deepen their understanding of the season. A printable cryptogram can make learning fun by challenging them to decrypt words related to these important times in the Church. Words like “Abstinence,” “Baptism,” and “Hosanna” are included, helping youth connect with the themes of repentance, prayer, and celebration. This activity aids in teaching key concepts such as the Passion and the significance of the Holy Week, making the spiritual journey more engaging and meaningful.

Prayerfully Read the Passion of Our Lord

On Palm Sunday Year C (Passion Sunday), we reflect on the Passion of Our Lord, a story we hear every year. To deepen your experience, try reading the Passion narrative prayerfully on your own. Imagine yourself as a bystander, observing the events, feeling the emotions, and sensing the atmosphere. Consider the sights, sounds, and smells as you journey through the narrative. Take an hour to fully immerse yourself in this experience, allowing you to connect more deeply with the story and understand the significance of Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice.

Attend the Mass of the Lord’s Supper

On Palm Sunday Year C (Passion Sunday), we prepare for Holy Week by reflecting on the events leading to Jesus’ Passion. Attending the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday can be a meaningful family experience. This Mass commemorates the Last Supper, where Jesus instituted the priesthood and the Eucharist. Unique elements include the singing of the Gloria, the washing of feet, and a procession of the consecrated hosts. The altar is stripped, and Eucharistic adoration follows, symbolizing the time Jesus spent in the Garden of Gethsemane. It is a powerful way to enter into the mysteries of Holy Week.

Attend Good Friday Services

On Palm Sunday Year C (Passion Sunday), we begin to reflect on the events of Holy Week, including Good Friday. Good Friday is a solemn day when Catholics remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, who died to redeem humanity. Unlike other days, there is no Mass, but a special service is held. This service includes the reading of the Passion narrative, the veneration of the cross, and a bare altar, symbolizing Jesus’ death. The congregation also receives Communion from hosts consecrated on Holy Thursday. The service ends in silence, allowing for reflection on Jesus’ sacrifice.

More Lenten Ideas

On Palm Sunday Year C (Passion Sunday), we reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice and the key Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Prayer helps us connect with God and seek His guidance. Fasting teaches us to let go of distractions and focus on what truly matters. Almsgiving encourages us to share our resources and time with those in need, demonstrating compassion and solidarity. By engaging in these practices, we grow in faith and prepare our hearts for Easter, remembering the depth of God’s love shown through Jesus’ Passion. For over 75 ideas, see here.

• Do Yardwork for the Elderly in Your Neighborhood
• Make Jars with the Jelly Bean Prayer to Prepare for Easter
• Make Hot Cross Buns

Where Is God?

On Palm Sunday Year C (Passion Sunday), we reflect on Jesus’ suffering and His cry from the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” This prayer, based on Psalm 22, expresses feelings of abandonment and fear, yet also recalls God’s past faithfulness. It is a prayer for times when we feel alone and distant from God. It encourages us to remember how God has helped us before and to trust that He will come to our aid again. Despite our pain and doubt, we are reminded to hold onto faith and continue praising God’s name.

The Kingship of Christ

The Return of the King

In his reflection for Palm Sunday Year C (Passion Sunday), Bishop Robert Barron emphasizes Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. He connects Jesus’ journey from the Mount of Olives to the prophecy in Ezekiel about God’s glory departing and returning to the temple. Barron explains that Jesus, approaching from the east, symbolizes the return of God’s presence to His people. He also highlights Zechariah’s prophecy of the humble king entering on a donkey, showing Jesus as the true king who conquers through humility and love. This event marks the union of Heaven and Earth in Christ.

Palm Sunday Year C (Passion Sunday) marks the start of Holy Week, a time to reflect on the journey of Jesus to the cross. It is a moment to welcome Jesus as our king and savior, and to remember His sacrifice for us. These reflections help us understand the significance of this day and the events leading up to His crucifixion.

Welcoming Jesus

The reading for the procession on Palm Sunday Year C reminds us to recognize Jesus as our king and savior. In the passage, Jesus enters Jerusalem, greeted with joy by the people. They shout, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” and lay their cloaks and palm branches on the ground before him.

This event symbolizes Jesus’ authority and leadership. The people of Jerusalem saw Jesus as their king and welcomed him. We are also called to recognize his authority and welcome him into our lives.

Following Jesus requires faith and obedience. We need to submit our will to his and trust in his plan. Just as the people laid down their cloaks and palm branches, we must be willing to surrender everything to him.

Recognizing Jesus as our king also means acknowledging his power to save us. As our savior, he offers salvation and eternal life. Trusting in him and following his teachings brings us closer to his love and guidance.

As we reflect on this reading, let’s recommit ourselves to accepting Jesus as our king and savior. Let us lay down our own “cloaks and palm branches,” symbolizing our willingness to follow him.

Finally, may we remember the power of Jesus’ love to guide and change our lives. By doing so, we can be part of his eternal kingdom and experience the fullness of life he offers.

Death Is Coming

As we enter Holy Week and celebrate Palm Sunday, we remember the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. His sacrifice gives us hope for eternal life with God, even though death is a reality for all.

The readings for Palm Sunday Year C show how people were divided in their opinions of Jesus. Some welcomed him with joy, while others turned away. Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, denied knowing him out of fear. The two criminals crucified beside Jesus also illustrate the struggle between worldly desires and spiritual faith.

Despite the challenges, Jesus remained faithful to God’s plan. He willingly faced death in Jerusalem and trusted his Father completely. Through his death, Jesus offers us a path to eternal life with God, overcoming the power of death.

As we carry our palms on Palm Sunday, we should remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us. This day calls us to trust in God, even when we are afraid or uncertain. We are encouraged to follow Jesus’ example of obedience and faithfulness.

Let us hold on to the hope of eternal life that Jesus provides through his death and resurrection. This hope is a source of strength for us as we navigate our own challenges and fears.

As we reflect on these events, may we deepen our commitment to live as Jesus taught us. Let us be grateful for the love and sacrifice that Jesus showed, and strive to live in a way that honors his teachings.

As we meditate on the events of Palm Sunday Year C (Passion Sunday), we are reminded of Jesus’ unwavering faith and obedience. Let us open our hearts to welcome Him and live according to His teachings. May we find strength and hope in His love and sacrifice, and strive to follow His example every day.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, as we remember your journey to the cross on Palm Sunday Year C (Passion Sunday), help us to welcome you into our lives with open hearts. Grant us the strength to follow your teachings and trust in your plan for us. May we always seek to serve you faithfully. Amen.

• What does welcoming Jesus as king mean to you?
• How can you show your faith and obedience to Jesus in your daily life?
• What are the “cloaks and palm branches” you need to lay down to fully surrender to Jesus?
• In what ways does recognizing Jesus as your savior change your perspective on life?
• How do you handle moments of fear or doubt in your faith journey?
• How can you better trust in God’s plan, even when facing challenges?
• What lessons can you learn from Jesus’ obedience and faithfulness?
• How can you support others in their journey to know and follow Jesus?
• In what ways can you reflect the love and sacrifice of Jesus in your relationships?
• What steps can you take to deepen your commitment to living out Jesus’ teachings?

On Palm Sunday Year C (Passion Sunday), music selections often reflect themes of Jesus’ kingship, His Passion, and the crowds’ acclamation. The songs chosen typically celebrate Jesus as King, recalling His triumphant entry into Jerusalem. They also express the somber reality of His suffering and death on the cross. Some hymns invite reflection on the sacrificial love of Jesus and His role as the Lamb of God. This combination of celebratory and reflective music helps to deepen our understanding and experience of the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion.

• All Glory, Laud, and Honor
• At the Name of Jesus
• Behold the Cross
• Behold, the Lamb of God
• Behold the Wood
• Blessed Be the Name
• Crown Him with Many Crowns
• Crown Him (Majesty)
• Father, into Your Hands
• Here I Am to Worship
• Hosanna
• Hosanna, Loud Hosanna
• Hosanna (Praise Is Rising)
• Hosanna to the Son of David
• Hosanna to the Son of David
• How He Loves
• Hymn to Christ the King
• Jesus Messiah
• Jesus, the Lord
• Lead Me to the Cross
• Lift High the Cross
• Jesus Remember Me
• Lift High the Cross
• My God, My God
• O Sacred Head
• O Sacred Head, Surrounded
• Sing Hosanna
• Sing my Tongue the Savior’s Glory
• Six Days Before the Passover
• Six Days Before the Passover
• The King of Glory
• Were You There
• What Wondrous Love Is This
• When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
• Who Is the Crucified?
• Why Have You Abandoned Me

Music directors and musicians are encouraged to explore these themes in their selections for Palm Sunday Year C (Passion Sunday). Consider using songs that highlight the triumphant entry, the Passion, and the contemplative moments of Jesus’ sacrifice. Share your favorite choices and new suggestions in the comments to inspire others and enhance the liturgical experience.

What date is Palm Sunday Year C (Passion Sunday)?

The next date is Sunday April 13, 2025.
For other years see the links below:
Palm Sunday Year A
Palm Sunday Year B

What are the Mass readings for Palm Sunday Year C (Passion Sunday)?

The Mass readings for Sunday April 13, 2025 are:
Procession of Palms – Luke 19:28-40: Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
First Reading – Isaiah 50:4-7: The Faithful Prophet’s Unwavering Trust in God
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 22: A Cry of Despair and Hope in Times of Suffering
Second Reading – Philippians 2:6-11: The Humility and Obedience of Jesus
Gospel – Luke 22:14-23:56: The Passion and Death of Jesus

Why does Jesus ride a donkey?

Jesus rides a donkey to fulfill a prophecy about a humble king. It shows that Jesus is a different kind of king, not one of power and force.

What does “Hosanna” mean?

“Hosanna” means “Save us” or “Save now.” The people are asking Jesus to save them, recognizing Him as the Messiah.

What is the significance of the palms?

Palms are a symbol of victory and peace. On Palm Sunday Year C (Passion Sunday), they represent the people’s celebration of Jesus as a king.

Why did Jesus accept suffering?

Jesus accepted suffering because it was God’s plan for our salvation. His suffering and death show His love and obedience to God.

What does it mean that Jesus “emptied Himself”?

It means Jesus gave up His heavenly glory and became human. He chose to be humble and serve others, even to the point of dying on the cross.

Why did Judas betray Jesus?

Judas betrayed Jesus for money, showing human weakness and sin. It also fulfills the prophecy of betrayal by a close friend.

How does Peter’s denial relate to us?

Peter’s denial shows that even the strongest believers can fail. It reminds us to stay faithful and seek forgiveness when we fall short.

What is the message of the Passion story?

The Passion story shows Jesus’ suffering and love for us. It teaches us to be grateful and to follow His example of sacrifice and love.

How can we apply these readings to our lives?

We can learn to be humble like Jesus, accepting God’s will in our lives. We should also try to be loyal to Jesus and live out His teachings.

Why is Palm Sunday Year C (Passion Sunday) important?

Palm Sunday Year C (Passion Sunday) starts Holy Week, the most important week in the Church year. It helps us remember Jesus’ journey to the cross and prepares us for Easter.