The parish of Sto. Rosario welcomes everyone to the Palm Sunday mass, the first Sunday of March, commemorating Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and the start of Holy Week. Reminders for mass include silencing cellphones and a row-by-row communion system. The liturgy notes that God reveals Himself fully through Jesus Christ, who became human to help us understand Him.
The priest begins the Palm Sunday celebration, blessing the palms brought by the faithful. He emphasizes that 'Christ victoriously entered His city to fulfill His mission as the Messiah, to suffer, die, and rise again for our salvation.' The congregation is invited to participate devoutly, recalling Jesus' self-sacrifice and striving to share in His new life through faith.
The first reading from Isaiah describes the suffering servant, who endures insults and beatings, but trusts in the Lord's help. The responsorial psalm, 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?', highlights Jesus' suffering on the cross, surrounded by mockers. Despite the pain, the psalmist expresses a commitment to proclaim God's deeds and praise Him.
The second reading, from St. Paul's letter to the Philippians, explains Jesus' profound humility. Though divine, He did not cling to equality with God but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant. He became obedient to the point of death on a cross, leading God to exalt Him and give Him a name above all names, so that all might acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord.
The Passion narrative recounts Jesus' trial before Pilate, His silence amidst accusations, and Pilate's attempt to release Him. The crowd, incited by chief priests, chooses Barabbas over Jesus, demanding Jesus' crucifixion. Pilate washes his hands of the decision. Jesus is mocked, scourged, crowned with thorns, and eventually crucified between two criminals. Amidst the darkness, Jesus cries out, 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?' and breathes His last. Supernatural events follow, including an earthquake and the resurrection of many saints, leading a Roman centurion to declare Jesus the Son of God.
The homily reflects on the shift from 'Hosanna' to 'Crucify Him' during Holy Week, highlighting humanity's fickle nature (represented by Judas' betrayal, Peter's denial, and the crowd's change of heart). Jesus, however, remained faithful. The homily emphasizes that true love (Alay Kapwa) involves self-sacrifice, forgiveness, and enduring hardships. It challenges the congregation to reflect on their role in this story and to follow Jesus' path of self-offering. The acronym 'PALM' is introduced: P for Pananampalataya (faith), A for Alay Kapwa (offering to others), L for Lingkod (service), and M for Misyon (mission), urging faithful participation in Holy Week activities and acts of charity.
The Prayers of the Faithful include petitions for the Church, leaders, victims of injustice, active participation in Holy Week, and the souls of the departed. The faithful are called to offer themselves and their prayers to God. This is followed by the presentation of gifts, symbolizing the offering of self and resources during this sacred time.
The Eucharistic Prayer, central to the mass, consecrates the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. This is followed by the Lord's Prayer and the Rite of Peace. The faithful then receive Holy Communion, remembering Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection. Hymns are sung during communion, deepening the spiritual reflection on Jesus' passion and love.
The mass concludes with announcements regarding Holy Week activities, including recollections, Tenebrae, Siete Palabras, the Veneration of the Cross, and the Easter Vigil and Salubong. The faithful are reminded to participate in 'Alay Kapwa' (offering to others) through a second collection. The final blessing is given, emphasizing God's love and inviting the congregation to follow Jesus' example, receive eternal life, and share in His resurrection.