Collect Series Palm Sunday Year A

 Collect Series

The Mass: Collect Series

 

COLLECT

Almighty ever-living God, who as an example of humility for the human race to follow

Caused our Saviour to take flesh and submit to the Cross,

Graciously grant that we may need His lesson of patient suffering

And so merit a share in His Resurrection.

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1.    What does humility mean to me?

2.    How important is humility to me?  What is the difference between true humility and false humility?

3.    What does Jesus submitting to His Father’s will to suffer and die for me really mean for me?

4.    What lessons of patient suffering this coming week will I learn?

5.    What does it mean to have a share in His Resurrection?

 

GOSPEL REFLECTION

Gospel for the Entrance Procession

Matthew 21:1–11

Theme: “Behold, Your King Comes to You.”

 

Setting the Scene

Jesus approaches Jerusalem at the height of expectation. The city is already filled with pilgrims for Passover. Tension sits in the air — religious, political, spiritual.

He does not enter on a war horse.

He does not enter surrounded by soldiers.

He sends for a donkey.

Matthew is deliberate here. He wants us to see the fulfilment of Zechariah’s prophecy:

“Behold, your king comes to you, humble, mounted on a donkey.”

The crowd responds with enthusiasm. Cloaks are thrown down. Palm branches are cut and waved. The cry rises:

“Hosanna to the Son of David!”

Hosanna means “Save us.”

They are proclaiming Him as Messiah.

But their understanding is incomplete.

They expect liberation.

They do not yet understand surrender.

 

Gospel Reflection: The King We Want — and the King Who Comes

Palm Sunday confronts us with a question:

What kind of king are we welcoming?

The crowd welcomes a king of hope and promise. But many are hoping for political rescue, national restoration, visible power. Jesus offers something deeper — freedom from sin, not Rome; transformation of hearts, not overthrow of governments.

It is easy to praise Christ when we imagine Him fulfilling our expectations.

It is harder to remain faithful when His kingship leads to sacrifice.

The same Lord who enters Jerusalem in humility will soon be rejected. Palm Sunday teaches us that faith is not built on emotional enthusiasm. It is rooted in steady discipleship.

The donkey matters.

Humility matters.

God’s way rarely mirrors worldly triumph.

The King who comes to us comes gently — never forcing, never overwhelming. He invites welcome, not applause.

 

Personal Reflection

Palm branches are easy to wave.

The Cross is harder to carry.

Where do I welcome Christ with joy — yet resist when His way does not align with my plans?

Do I recognise His kingship when it appears humble, hidden, or inconvenient?

Palm Sunday invites me to examine not just my praise, but my understanding of who Jesus truly is.

 

Questions for Reflection

·         What expectations do I place on God?

·         How do I respond when Christ’s path is different from what I hoped?

·         Where might I need to embrace humility rather than control?

·         Am I prepared to follow this King beyond the procession?

 

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus,

You entered Jerusalem in humility,

not seeking power but obedience.

Help me to recognise Your kingship

when it comes quietly.

May my praise be rooted in truth,

and my faith remain steady

when the path becomes difficult.

Amen.

 

Personal note:  I have been unwell during this past week. I know this is late for Palm Sunday but I hope that it may assist you during this holiest week of the year.