Palm Sunday and the Theology of the Cross

Over the years and in many places, I can remember many people being enthusiastic about Palm Sunday. Often the weather has been spring-like (at least in the South) and some flowers have bloomed. People like palm or other tree branches; they appreciate the Gospel account of Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem; they like to sing hosannas and think of Christ as the King of glory. There is some value in these reactions.

Yet, closer reflection shows that this Sunday is not really about a theology of glory. In fact, it is a profoundly cross-centered day. For although Jesus Christ deserves to be glorified, this Sunday is pointing us to His Passion and Death. The Palm Gospel is only an introduction, and the crowds that praise Jesus do not really understand Him. The liturgical gospel of the day is one of the Passion accounts, and the tone of the week quickly shifts away from the festive entry. Christ's work for our redemption during this week culminates in the cross and the tomb. Even as we anticipate Christ's resurrection, sound Christian theology must always remain a theology of the cross.