Bengaluru: Archbishop Bernard Moras of Bengaluru called upon the faithful to understand the meaning and mystery of Palm Sunday and the Holy Week in its proper perspective. Archbishop Moras was the chief celebrant at the Palm Sunday celebrations in Bengaluru on Sunday.

Describing the background of the celebration Archbishop Dr Moras said Palm Sunday falls on the Sunday before Easter. The Holy Week starts from this day including Maundy Thursday (Last Supper), Good Friday (Crucifixion and death of Jesus), Holy Saturday and the grand celebration

of Easter (Resurrection). Palm Sunday is a feast which commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, an event mentioned in all four Gospels.

Referring to the day’s reading, the Archbishop narrated briefly on the procession when palm branches were placed in his (Jesus’) path, before his arrest on Holy Thursday and his crucifixion on Good Friday. It thus marks the beginning of Holy Week, the final week of Lent. Jesus, Son of God, was busy going to the temple, knowing fully well, the procession, singing Hosanna, would change in five days into ‘crucify’ him.

Jesus was riding on a donkey which sybolised his humility. It was a sign of peace and submission to God. Jesus was well aware that the scenario would change very soon. He came to reconcile the sinful mankind with God and to establish peace. Everyone is invited to meditate, in this holy week, the mysteries surrounding the events. Jesus humbled himself, first he washed the feet of his disciples. He was beaten, scourged, stripped naked and finally was crucified. As a servant and as a true disciple, he gave himself up.

The Gospel narration points to the question Pilot asked the public – whom to release, Barabbas or Jesus. What a comparison? Jesus had to be compared to a hard core criminal. Crucify Jesus but not the worst, deplorable sinner. In this context, Archbishop urged all present to think of ‘our own lives’. We all have a lot of opportunities in our lives to make choices. We have to make various types of choices from the time we get up in the morning. We have the choice for God, that is, to stand by God, our faith, Church, Commandments of God and teachings of the Church, ‘love for neighbour as yourself’. We need to think of the consequences of our choices – whether for church, diocese, on faith, on our relationships and selfishness, in work-places and much more in the practices of religion. We put Christ to death by our choices. Jesus had to die on the Cross for our salvation. People declared – let him die. Let the blood come to us and on our children.

This happens in our lives, too. Archbishop Moras exhorted all to reflect very closely on the mystery of the season, will of God, the discernment and the priorities of life. The prelate, once again, appealed to all to pray more in this holy week, to bring joy, peace and love of God, pondering on the passion, death and resurrection. Let love of God shine in our lives as Jesus has brought life in the Risen Lord.

Archbishop wished all and imparted to all Greetings for a Happy Easter. Earlier, Fr Jacob Britto, spiritual director, Bangalore Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services

(BCCRS) closed the praise and worship session before giving the blessings. He also read the Passion Reading during the Mass, explaining the sequence of events in the life of Jesus. Others

who con-celebrated with Arc bishop were Fr Edward Thomas, president, Conference of Religious India (CRI), Fr Christopher Vimal Raj, Rector, Bhakti Bhavan, Fr Prem and Secretary to Archbishop.

Vice president, BCCRS, Verghese Joseph and Mrs Monica led all in singing. Brother Cherian Ramapuram, chairman, BCCRS, thanked all concerned including Archbishop and Sisters of Brigitine Convent where the concluding function after 40 days of prayer, worship, preaching the word of God and Mass were conducted. Dr Superior of the convent also spoke on the occasion and she thanked the Archbishop for his presence.

The celebration began with all carrying palm leaves and moved to the chapel in a procession. Prior to the procession, Archbishop blessed the Palm leaves and uttered relevant prayers. The 40- day intercessory prayers had the theme – Abba Heal Our Land. The prayer warriors prayed various parishes, priests, institutions, Archdiocese and for many more intentions.