As we begin Holy Week on this Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord, we notice the dual nature to our liturgy. We begin with the commemoration of the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, but that is followed very quickly by the proclamation of the Passion according to Luke. The joyful shouts of “Hosanna” are replaced with the shocking condemnation, “Crucify him!” There needs to be balance between these two elements. The commemoration of the Lord’s entry must not overwhelm the Passion story.
There are three options for the opening part of the liturgy: the Procession (usually from outside the church), the Solemn Entrance (procession within the church), or the Simple Entrance (no procession). Many parishes enjoy having an elaborate Palm Sunday procession.
The First Reading is from the “Suffering Servant” verses of Isaiah. Today we hear from chapter 50; on Good Friday, we continue with chapter 52. These later chapters were written by Deutero-Isaiah, who was trying to give hope to his people during their Babylonian captivity. We Christians see in these passages a poetic reflection of our suffering Savior.
The Second Reading from Philippians is Saint Paul’s rendering of the “Christ Hymn,” one of the earliest hymns of the Christian community. Prayed weekly in the Liturgy of the Hours, its proclamation today underscores Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection within the framework of God’s overall plan for salvation.
One thing to keep in mind in liturgy planning is that for many people, today will be their only experience with the Passion story before Easter. We encourage our community to participate in the liturgies of the Triduum, but a vast number of people will not attend the Good Friday liturgy for a variety of reasons. Therefore, let us give careful thought to the way we proclaim the Palm Sunday Passion and to the music that follows it.
The Passion according to Luke reflects the teachings that are important to this evangelist, most notably the Kingdom of God. Notice the opening lines:
When the hour came, Jesus took his place at table with the apostles. He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer for, I tell you, I shall not eat it again until there is fulfillment in the Kingdom of God.”
Luke also takes care to weave into his narrative Jesus’ compassionate encounters with the women of Jerusalem and the repentant good thief.
As disciples, we enter into the Lord’s suffering at every Mass. Ours is not a passive or intellectual assent to an historical event that happened many centuries ago. We sing in the Mystery of Faith acclamation: “When we eat this bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.” Let our music proclaim Jesus’ saving death, and his ministry of compassion to the forgotten and the oppressed.
Here are some song suggestions for the three options of today’s Entrance Procession.
Gathering Antiphon for First Form and Second Form of the Entrance Rite Hosanna to the Son (Ken Canedo)
from We Should Glory
This is a simple “call and response” contemporary setting of the short chant that gathers the community as they assemble at the location for the Blessing of Palm Branches and proclamation of the Procession Gospel. You will find the sheet music in the link above.
Optional Procession Song Six Days Before the Passover (Ken Canedo)
from We Should Glory
As the community processes to the church, this song continues the “call and response” format of the Gathering Antiphon. Cantors or a small choir sing the verses that are a paraphrase of the Palm Sunday Entrance Antiphon. You will find the sheet music in the link above.
Palm Sunday Entrance Antiphon for Third Form of the Entrance Rite Six Days Before the Passover (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart, Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #83
The Third Form is a simple Entrance Rite with no procession or special Gospel. The official Antiphon is notable for its lengthy text that allows the community to reflect on the Lord’s entry into Jerusalem. This verbatim setting from Let Us All Rejoice is arranged with repeating declamatory sections in an accessible “call and response” format.
Responsorial Psalm My God, My God, Why Have You Abandoned Me (Sarah Hart)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 144
Jesus prayed Psalm 22 as he hung upon the cross. Sarah Hart offers a thoughtful verbatim setting the Lord’s lament.
Lenten Gospel Acclamation Glory to You, Word of God: Mass of St. Mary Magdalene (Sarah Hart)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 148
This lengthy verse of the Gospel Acclamation is also used on Good Friday to prepare us for the proclamation of the Lord’s Passion.
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts O Sacred Head (Bob Hurd)
Spirit & Song #171; Breaking Bread #163
Bob Hurd’s beautiful song, inspired by the traditional “O Sacred Head Surrounded,” helps connect us to the social justice aspects of Jesus’ suffering and death.
Palm Sunday Communion Antiphon Father, If This Chalice Cannot Pass Without My Drinking It (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart, Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #84
Based on Jesus’ prayer at the Garden of Gethsemane, sing this brief Antiphon text several times to allow your community to reflect on Jesus’ obedience to his Father’s will.
Communion Chant What a Beautiful Name (Ben Fielding and Brooke Ligertwood)
This beloved contemporary song is very appropriate for Palm Sunday. You will find the sheet music in the link above.
Sending Forth Were You There (Spiritual)
Spirit & Song #173; Never Too Young #185; Breaking Bread #162
There are many renditions of this classic spiritual. Tom Booth offers a simple contemporary approach.
Liturgy Blog is a weekly liturgy planning resource for musicians, liturgists, homilists, youth groups, faith sharing groups, and all who look to the liturgical readings for inspiration and nourishment. Join Ken Canedo as he breaks open the Scripture and suggests tracks from the Spirit & Song contemporary repertoire.
If you want to use songs that are not in any of the books you have, you can license the songs through ONE LICENSE. Paying for the usage of songs will ensure the Church will have quality songs for years to come.
