What day is today? Ask most folks strolling home from church today and they will reply “Palm Sunday.” Not too long ago, today was known as the “Second Sunday of the Passion,” and in 1970 it was renamed “Passion Sunday.” This made some sense, since the procession recalling Christ’s entry into Jerusalem is usually only celebrated once in a parish on this day, but the Passion is proclaimed solemnly at every liturgy.
In its most recent incarnation, the name for this day includes both aspects of the celebration: “Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord.” In the United States today, most worshipers are provided with palm branches, although in northern Eu- rope pussy willows are favored, and in Italy olive branches are the norm.
When our calendar was reformed, the entire structure of the week to come was revised even as the traditional name, “Holy Week,” was retained. The major benefit of the restructuring of our calendar is to help us see that the Triduum, the great three days beginning at sunset this Thursday and extending until sunset on Easter Sunday, is at the heart of the Christian life.
Today, as you ponder the Lord’s Passion, you may consider your response to so great a gift. Centuries ago, good Christians vowed to go on pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Today, at least once in your lifetime, promise to participate faithfully in the liturgies. Now begins the Church’s annual baptismal retreat: don’t be left out!
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