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| Procession at St Jude's Church in North Point signalling the start of the Palm Sunday mass |
Christians all over
the world marked Palm Sunday today, and those in Hong Kong were among who carried
the tradition of waving palm branches to re-create the celebration of Christ’s
final arrival in Jerusalem.
Palm Sunday, also
known as Passion Sunday, is the last Sunday in Lent and the beginning of Holy
Week, the most important weeks of the year for Christians. The date changes
yearly because Easter is observed based on the Jewish holiday of Passover.
In line with
tradition, today’s gospel recalls the time Jesus was condemned to death by the
then Roman governor Pontius Pilate, due to clamor from people who wanted him
punished for supposed blasphemy, as he called himself King of the Jews.
The Bible teaches that
when Jesus rode into Jerusalem for the Passover he was greeted by a large crowd
waving palm branches, with many of them shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David”
or “Blessed is the King of Israel,” or other chants to show their recognition
of him as Christ the King.
According to his
apostles Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, the people lay down their coats and palm
branches on the ground as a sign of respect and adoration as Jesus passed by,
riding a young donkey.
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| Recreating the scene of Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem |
The people of
Jerusalem had looked at Jesus as their savior from Roman oppression. But only
days later, he was crucified, betrayed by one of his apostles.
Easter Sunday is when
Christians rejoice again, as they believe this marked Jesus’ resurrection and
ascension to heaven.
