The Church introduces us to the Week of the Lord's Passion by celebrating Palm Sunday. It is called this way because of the palms and branches people waved to Our Lord as He made His way to Jerusalem on a donkey. They laid their clothes and other garments on the path of this lowly animal, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the king of Israel!" Hosanna was meant to be a praise of God. Here the people recognize Him as the Messiah. In fact, etymologically, hosanna is an appeal to God for deliverance. Ironically, however, the same ones who hailed Him that way, then changed their tune in a few days when they screamed that Jesus be crucified.
