Tens of thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square and celebrated the beginning of Holy Week with Pope Francis. At Palm Sunday Mass, he blessed olive branches and palm fronds that held pilgrims, tourists, and Romans.
He exhorted the believers to humility in the face of worldly temptations. Jesus gave an impressive example with the calm manner in which he endured his sufferings, the Pope said.
„Keep the peace in the heart“
Political statements with current references to the pontiff – otherwise quite common among Francis – did not exist in the sermon. But there were words beyond the daily politics:
„Jesus shows us how to face the difficult moments and the treacherous attempts, namely to keep a peace in our hearts – that does not mean detachment, not apathy or superman, but devotion to the Father and to His will full of salvation, Life and Mercy „.
What’s up with the palm branches?
Palm Sunday begins the Holy Week, in which Christians commemorate the death of Jesus on the cross. Palm Sunday commemorates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, which began his ordeal. According to Gospel accounts, Jesus rode a donkey into the city and was cheered by the people. At his reception, people spread their clothes before him and scattered green branches – according to the Gospel of John palm branches – on the way. What about the palm branches on it
Palm Sunday begins the Holy Week, in which Christians commemorate the death of Jesus on the cross. Palm Sunday commemorates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, which began his ordeal. According to Gospel accounts, Jesus rode a donkey into the city and was cheered by the people. At his reception, people spread out their clothes before him and scattered green branches – according to the Gospel of John, palm branches.
The Holy Week is the preparation for Easter, the oldest and highest feast in the church year. On Maundy Thursday, on the eve of Good Friday, Lord’s Supper is remembered in the sacrament services of Jesus with his disciples before his death. The contrast is the Easter Eve, in which Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
