By Fr. Thomas G. Weinandy, OFM, Cap.. The Catholic Thing, April 2, 2023
Thomas G. Weinandy, OFM, a prolific writer and one of the most prominent living theologians, is a former member of the Vatican’s International Theological Commission. His newest book is the third volume of Jesus Becoming Jesus: A Theological Interpretation of the Gospel of John: The Book of Glory and the Passion and Resurrection Narratives.
The Palm Sunday liturgy is composed of two parts. The first part is the blessing of the palms, followed by a procession. In the second, upon entry into the Church, the Mass commences. What organically ties these two parts together, forming one liturgical action, is the Gospels that are proclaimed within each part.
This year, Matthew’s account of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem is declared. During the proclamation of the Word at Mass, Matthew’s Passion Narrative is read. Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem finds its completion in his passion, death, and resurrection. As they form one narrative within Matthew’s Gospel, so they form one liturgical whole on Palm Sunday, a whole that will find its culmination at week’s end – on Good Friday and Easter Sunday…
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