Province of St. Albert the Great, USA

13 April • Holy Week Begins: The Crowd Cries "Save Us!" - What's Our Plea?

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This Palm Sunday "A Word of Hope" homily explores the significance of the crowd that welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem. While their actions might seem like celebrity worship, their words reveal something much deeper.

Discover why the common idea of a "fickle crowd" (cheering Sunday, condemning Friday) might be inaccurate, and focus on the Palm Sunday group's specific cry: "Hosanna!" Learn that this meant "Save us!" – a plea directed at Jesus from people burdened by Roman and religious oppression, seeking the salvation only the Messiah could bring. They saw Jesus as the healer and forgiver who could liberate them.

As we begin Holy Week, recalling Christ's Passion, Death, and Resurrection, we're invited to join that ancient crowd in spirit. What are we pleading for? What salvation, healing, or strength do we seek from Jesus today? This reflection encourages us to identify our own needs and to become aware of the needs and cries of those around us. Let us sing "Hosanna!" with meaning.

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