Claim Your Home as a Sacred Dwelling Place this Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday is a day to claim your home as a sacred dwelling place for the Holy Spirit! 

When I was a child, Palm Sunday was the day I would attend Mass with my grandma and grandpa. My sister and I would compete who could make the perfect cross made out of one thin palm leaf. As we returned home, my grandpa would take the palms, dip them into holy water, and sprinkle it upon us. He would then walk around the house and bless every room.

The blessing palms would be a reminder that as a family, we were dedicated to Jesus Christ and that our home was a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit. The sprinkled holy water and blessing would ensure protection for our home and invite in God's love and all His heavenly angels and saints into the space. That blessing was the fastest way to free me from nightmares, so I loved this tradition! I not only loved the tradition, but I loved Palm Sunday and was always so excited to see our palm crosses in his car visor throughout the year. From a child until now, Palm Sunday has remained a special and sacred day to me. 

As I enter into Holy Week, I can't help but hope and pray that what I did or didn't do for Lent was enough to proclaim my commitment and love for Jesus! I feel humbled when our faith community says together in prayer, "Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed."

Jesus entering into the city of Jerusalem begins the healing of us all from our own darkness. He rode into the very city that would condemn Him to death. According to the scripture, he rode in on the back of a donkey upon the leaves of palms. Jesus entered under our roof, and we crucified Him. Yet, he continues to believe in us and never gives up on us. 

In his dying words, he said, "Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do!"

As I think of Palm Sunday, I feel we are all asked to walk through the city of palms just like Jesus did! We are to proclaim His name with courage and love. Imagine feeling the palms under your feet. Feel the magnitude of entering that holy city. We are journeying just like Jesus as we see the depth of those in persecution, sorrow, and tragedy. 

Our faith for Jesus unveils the beauty of unexplainable love that rises above all sorrow and hardship. This time is to prepare your heart for the elevation of love above all things in the resurrection. 

Today as we celebrate Palm Sunday, I pray that you feel your heart and soul walking through the darkness and sorrow of Holy Week to the GLORY of Easter morning. 

Together, in spiritual union with Christ we RISE!

—Amy D'Ambra/MSMH Founder and Co-Owner