Daily Catholic Lectio
Sun, 13 April ‘25
Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
Palms procession: Luke 19:28-40
At the Mass: Isaiah 50:4-7. Psalm 22. Philippians 2:6-11. Luke 22:14-23:56
Walking with Christ, the Humble King
Long ago, in the warm hills outside Jerusalem, a young palm branch swayed gently in the breeze, growing on a tall and graceful tree. One day, it overheard people in the village saying:
“The Messiah is coming! He will enter Jerusalem!”
The little palm leaf whispered to the wind,
“Oh, if only I could be part of that day—just once!”
And the wind replied,
“Then be ready… you may be cut down.”
The palm trembled. Cut down? But it wanted to live. Still, the longing in its heart was greater than its fear. So it said,
“Yes. I want to be part of the day the King comes.”
A few days later, strong hands plucked the branch. It was laid down on a dusty road. Crowds shouted with joy, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” And as Jesus rode by on a donkey, the little palm was there beneath His path.
For that brief moment, it was not just a leaf—it was a welcome, a carpet of praise, a sign of surrender.
Later, the palm withered in the sun. It was swept away. But it was never forgotten—because it had fulfilled its purpose.
Today, we commemorate Jesus entering Jerusalem for his passion. With Jesus we too enter Jerusalem. Jerusalem was the point of arrival and the point of departure for Jesus. Jerusalem is not an end, it is a new beginning.
(Based on the Reading at the Procession)
As we enter Holy Week, Palm Sunday invites us to walk with Jesus on the road to the Cross, beginning with His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Three simple insights from today’s Gospel – that we read at the procession – can guide our reflection:
1. “The Lord Needs It” – Obedient Trust
Jesus sends His disciples to untie a colt, saying, “The Lord needs it.” Their trust and obedience remind us that God can use even the smallest acts of faith for His greater plan. The Lord needs us, and do we need him today? Am I ready to carry him where he wishes to go? What does the ask of me today?
2. “Blessed is the King” – Joyful Proclamation
The people joyfully proclaim Jesus as King. Palm branches and hosannas become symbols of hearts ready to welcome Him. ‘Hosanna – the Lord save us!’ – this was their plea, prayer, and need. Why do we search for God in our lives? Is Jesus truly King of my life? Do we praise Him with joy and gratitude?
3. “If These Were Silent…” – Courageous Witness
When the Pharisees ask Jesus to silence His followers, He replies, “If these were silent, the stones would shout out.” Faith cannot remain hidden—it longs to be proclaimed. The stones cannot contain the mystery they witness. When I feel the presence of God in me, am I ready to witness to it? Am I bold in living and sharing my faith, especially when it’s not easy?
This week, may we walk with Jesus in humility, proclaim His peace, and witness with courage.
(Based on the Readings at the Mass)
Walking with Christ in Suffering and Surrender
As we begin Holy Week, the Word of God leads us to stand at the threshold of mystery—the suffering and glory of Jesus. These readings guide us through three spiritual movements:
1. Listening and Not Turning Back (Isaiah 50:4–7)
“Morning by morning he wakens my ear to listen… I gave my back to those who struck me… I have not turned back.”
The Suffering Servant is a disciple first—a listener of God’s voice amid pain. Faithfulness means listening even in trial, and trusting that God is near.
Do I listen to God daily? Can I remain faithful when following Christ means the way of the Cross?
2. From Despair to Trust (Psalm 22)
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
The psalm that Jesus cries from the cross begins in anguish but ends in trust. This is the journey of the soul in suffering—from abandonment to surrender, from fear to faith.
Can I find hope even when I feel forsaken? Do I allow prayer to lead me back to trust?
3. He Emptied Himself (Philippians 2:6–11; Luke 22–23)
“Though he was in the form of God… he humbled himself… even death on a cross.”
In the Passion according to Luke, Jesus embraces rejection, silence, betrayal, and pain—not as a victim, but as a Saviour. His path of humility becomes our call to follow.
What in me needs to be emptied, so that Christ’s humility can live in me?
Let this Holy Week be a time of deeper listening, trusting, and surrendering. Walk with Christ from the Upper Room to Calvary… and toward the light of the Resurrection.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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