By: Julita Kantod
Holy Trinity Parish Tawau entered the Holy Week with the celebration of Palm Sunday, on both 24th and 25th March, with a palm procession and Eucharistic celebration.
Some 800 parishioners gathered for Sunset Mass, whereas on Sunday, the number had increased to a thousand, waving palms which later were blessed by the priest. These occasions were presided over by Msgr. Nicholas Ong.
Palm Sunday marked the final Sunday of Lent and the beginning of Holy Week. It is a time for all the faithful to solemnly prepare for the Easter Triduum and the resurrection of the Lord on Easter Sunday. “Palm, the green colour symbolizes life and faith, ” says Msgr. Nicholas Ong on his homily. The Passion of Christ brought us freedom from the slavery of sin. Through His passion, death and resurrection, we have been saved; a victory that defeated the devil and save us from eternal condemnation” he said.
On Palm Sunday, we also celebrate Jesus Christ the King, a Messianic King. He is the humble King who sacrificed Himself on behalf of us, sinners. Palm Sunday commemorates the moment Jesus entered the holy city of Jerusalem, the city that rejected and crucified Him. Likewise, it is also a reminder to open our hearts so that Jesus can enter and be the King in our lives. In His triumphant entry, we are able to shout Hosanna to the King of Kings each time we encounter our own Paschal mystery.
