St. George Maronite Catholic Church

Liturgical Notes

Hosanna Sunday

This Sunday takes its name from the joyful shouts of the children of Israel as Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem in triumph, crying out: "Hosanna," which means, "Save us now, we pray!" They also shouted out: "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord." Jesus was thus greeted as the Savior of Israel, the Messiah and Lord.

The procession with the palms and olive branches that takes place on this day, originated in Jerusalem as a commemoration of Christ's triumphant entrance into the Holy City. By the fourth century, the Church in Jerusalem gathered each year to recall the Lord's entrance into Jerusalem. The faithful gathered on the Mount of Olives with their bishop. There they sang psalms and hymns and listened to readings from the Old Testament and to the gospel account of the Lord's entry into the city. Late in the afternoon they went in procession from the Mount of Olives to the city of Jerusalem. The parents carried their children on their shoulders and all waved branches of palm and olive trees as they cried out: "Hosanna!" and "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" Upon entering the city they went to the Church of the Resurrection, which was built over the tomb of the Lord, where they ultimately celebrated the Eucharist.

As we prepare for the great week of the Lord's passion and death, we begin by recalling that Jesus was first rightly greeted by the crowds as their Messiah. These same crowds that today cried "Hosanna," would later shout, "Crucify Him." However, the Lord's disciples, who today rejoiced over the reception that he received from the crowds, would desert him and hide in fear. And yet Jesus remained Messiah even on the cross for his true glory came not at the hands of the people, but from his Father. As we follow the Lord on the way to the cross, may we remain ever faithful to him who is our Savior and Lord.