Homily – Palm Sunday 2026

SCROLL DOWN FOR CHILDREN’S LITURGY QUESTIONS

by Father Sixmund Henry

Today we begin the most sacred week of our faith—Holy Week. We started outside with palms in our hands, remembering how Jesus entered Jerusalem. The people shouted, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” It was a moment full of joy, hope, and expectation. They welcomed Him like a king.

But only a short time later, we heard a very different story in the Passion. The same voices that cried “Hosanna” would soon cry “Crucify Him!” The same city that welcomed Jesus would reject Him. This sudden change is not just something that happened long ago—it is something that can also happen in our own hearts.

Palm Sunday invites us to look honestly at ourselves. We carry palms today as a sign that we want to follow Christ. But do we remain with Him when the path becomes difficult? It is easy to praise Jesus when life is good, when prayers are answered, when faith feels comforting. But what about when following Him requires sacrifice, patience, forgiveness, or suffering? Jesus enters Jerusalem knowing exactly what awaits Him. He is not surprised by betrayal, denial, or suffering. Yet He still chooses to go forward. Why? Because of love. His passion is not a story of defeat—it is a story of faithful, obedient love. Even when He is misunderstood, abandoned, and condemned, He does not turn away. He remains faithful to the Father and to us.

In the Passion we just heard, we can recognize ourselves in different characters. At times, we are like Peter, full of good intentions but weak when tested. At times, we are like the crowd, easily influenced and quick to change. Sometimes we are like those who stand at a distance, watching but not fully committing. Yet there is also another possibility—we can choose to stand with Christ, even in His suffering. This is what Holy Week is asking of us: not just to remember what Jesus went through, but to walk with Him. To stay close to Him in prayer. To reflect on His love. To examine our lives and turn away from sin. To allow His sacrifice to transform us.

The palms we carry today are not just decorations. They are a sign of commitment. They say, “Lord, I want to follow You—not only in moments of joy, but also on the road to the cross.” Because we know that the cross is not the end. It leads to the resurrection. As we enter this Holy Week, let us walk with Jesus—from the joy of today, through the sorrow of Good Friday, and into the glory of Easter. Let us ask for the grace to remain faithful, to stand firm, and to love as He loves. And when the crowd changes, when the world turns, when faith becomes challenging—may we not turn away, but remain with Him.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY QUESTIONS

1. Did Jesus enter the city of Jerusalem? — Yes
2. Did Jesus ride on a donkey when He entered the city? — Yes
3. Did Jesus ride on a big horse like a king in war? — No
4. Did people spread their cloaks on the road? — Yes
5. Did people cut branches from trees and place them on the road? — Yes
6. Did the people shout “Hosanna” to welcome Jesus? — Yes
7. Did the people tell Jesus to go away? — No
8. Did the crowd say, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord”? — Yes
9. Did everyone in the city become curious about who Jesus was? — Yes
10. Did the people say Jesus was a prophet from Nazareth? — Yes
11. Did Jesus enter Jerusalem secretly at night? — No
12. Did many people come out to welcome Him? — Yes
13. Did the people wave palm branches? — Yes
14. Did the people throw stones at Jesus? — No
15. Did the crowd rejoice and praise God? — Yes
16. Did Jesus come to bring peace and salvation? — Yes
17. Did Jesus tell the crowd to stop praising God? — No
18. Do Christians remember this event on Palm Sunday? — Yes
19. Do we sometimes carry palm branches at Mass on that day? — Yes
20. Does Palm Sunday remind us that Jesus is our King? — Yes