Homily – Palm Sunday (Year C)

Each year, we listen to the full Passion Narrative of Jesus twice: once on Palm Sunday and again on Good Friday.  The Passion Narrative according to John is always read on Good Friday, while the narratives from the Synoptic Gospels – Matthew, Mark, and Luke – are read on Palm Sunday following the three-year liturgical cycle: Years A, B, and C.  This year, we hear the Passion Narrative according to St. Luke.

While the Passion Narrative across all four Gospels are similar in many ways, there are also significant details unique to each account.  These variations reflect the distinctive emphasis and theological perspective of each evangelist.

You may find certain details that resonate with you personally or offer a deeper spiritual insight.  These can help lead us more profoundly into the mystery of the Lord’s Passion during Holy Week.  The following details from Luke’s narrative have especially drawn my attention and reflection.

First, in all three Synoptic Gospels, we read that when a group of men armed with swords and clubs came to arrest Jesus, one of his followers struck “the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear” (Luke 22:50).  However, only in Luke’s account do we find the detail that Jesus “touched his ear and healed him” (Luke 22:51).

Some suggest that Luke, being a physician, was more attentive to such healing moments.  Regardless, this detail emphasises the compassion of Jesus and the significance of his healing ministry.  Ultimately, it is through the Cross that humanity is healed from sin: “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:14-15).

The second unique detail in Luke’s account is Jesus’ words of forgiveness from the Cross: “Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).  We know well what was done to him – false accusations, mockery, physical torture – despite these sufferings, words of mercy flowed from his lips.  This moment reveals the triumph of mercy.  Not even the excruciating pain of the Cross could extinguish the power of love.  From the Cross, blessings and grace continue to pour forth.

The third detail unique to Luke is the moving dialogue between Jesus and the two criminals crucified alongside him.  Matthew and Mark simply state: “They crucified two robbers with him, one on his right and one on his left” (Mt 27:38; Mk 15:27).  But only in Luke do we hear one of the criminals defend Jesus and make a plea:

“Have you no fear of God?  You are under the same sentence.  We are punished justly, for we are getting what we deserve.  But this man has done nothing wrong.  Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:40–42).

And Jesus gave him the most hopeful promise: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43).  What a comforting assurance – that God’s redemption can reach us even at the very last moment of life.

These details highlight Luke’s portrait of Jesus as the merciful Saviour – a Lord full of healing, forgiveness, and redemption.

As we enter Holy Week, may we walk closely with the Lord on the road to Calvary and, in doing so, encounter the depth of God’s love for us.

By Fr Sang Ho