From St Matthew’s account of the Entry into Jerusalem: ‘Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before him and that followed him shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”’ (Matthew 21:8-9)

The icon below, which is in the public domain, shows the scene. The shouts of the crowd are sung today as the opening Antiphon of the Mass. Then, after the Solemn Entry, the liturgy changes abruptly to the Passion in both feel and content. The Old Testament readings today and every day until Wednesday are the Servant Songs of Isaiah, highlighting our Lord’s identity as He goes to meet His death, which will be the precursor to His resurrection.

May God bless your Holy Week, as you seek to live these days in accordance with Him and with the Church, and may Christ be very close to you.