Written by : Mazdollyna Majalin
St. Dominic Church, Lahad Datu celebrates Palm Sunday every year as a celebration and remembrance of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. It is also an event that takes place on the Sunday before Christians celebrate Easter. It is part of the loving sadness when Jesus entered the city knowing that he would be tried and crucified, and welcomed his fate to rise from the grave and save us from sin! Palm Sunday also marks the beginning of Holy Week, the commemoration of the last days of Jesus.
Every year, this first day of Holy Week is celebrated with the blessing and sharing of palm branches, which symbolize the branches placed in front of Christ as he entered Jerusalem. Catholic Christians at St. Dominic Church show their love by offering palm branches for blessing on this day, while remembering the story in Christian scripture of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, greeted by people waving palm branches. It is a reminder for all Christians to open their hearts and welcome Jesus with great love as the Saviour who saves us all.
The Palm Sunday service also includes a reading of the Passion, the story of Jesus’ suffering and crucifixion. Even when Jesus suffered and even though he knows that it is a journey of death, he never stops showing his love to the world and people.
Rev. Fr. Stanley Matakim also shares his wonderful understanding of Christ’s journey during his passion. He mentioned that there are two things to remember these days: The first is that as Christians we should be reminded that Jesus is love itself. For he loved us all so much that he was crucified and died on the cross to save us from sin. The second thing was that it is also a gentle reminder for all of us to always be a better person in life and that it paves our paths to always follow Jesus. That we should always spread the love of Christ to the entire nation.
Jesus, we remember how you always love us in our days. Let us praise God for sending his Son to earth. He sacrificed his life on the deadly cross for our sins and our eternal life in Christ through faith. Keep your faith in Jesus Christ forever.