Holy Week begins not at the altar, but on the road.
We gather holding branches – living signs of welcome – and we speak a word that belongs to crowds and kings alike: Hosanna. It is a word of praise, yes, but also a plea: Save us. Already, Palm Sunday refuses to be simple.
Almost immediately, the liturgy turns. The voices that rang with joy now cry out in accusation. The palms remain in our hands as the Passion is proclaimed. The Church does not allow us to linger too long in triumph, nor does she rush us past the Cross. Palm Sunday holds these opposites together, asking for restraint, balance, and deep attentiveness.
This tension should shape every liturgical choice today. The commemoration of the Lord’s entry into Jerusalem – whether marked by a full procession, a solemn entrance, or a simple gathering – must serve the Passion, not eclipse it. Even the most elaborate procession is only a doorway. The destination is the suffering Christ.
The Scriptures guide us carefully. Isaiah’s Suffering Servant speaks with quiet resolve, offering his back to those who strike him, trusting that God will not abandon him. Saint Paul, in the ancient Christ Hymn from Philippians, draws our eyes downward – into humility, obedience, and death – before lifting them toward exaltation. Glory comes, but not yet.
For many in our assemblies, this proclamation of the Passion will be their only encounter with the story before Easter. That reality places a sacred responsibility on our planning. The Passion must be proclaimed clearly, reverently, without haste or embellishment. The silence that follows matters. The music that responds matters. Sometimes, the most faithful choice is to let the weight of the story rest on the assembly without commentary.
Matthew’s Passion confronts us with a world unraveling, as fear, power, self-preservation, and violence collide around the Innocent One. Even Pilate steps back, washing his hands as if holiness could be avoided. Yet beneath the chaos, God’s purpose remains intact. Jesus does not lose control of his life; he gives it.
As Holy Week begins, Palm Sunday teaches us how to walk it: not triumphantly, not despairingly, but attentively – branch in hand, Passion in our ears, moving steadily toward the mystery that will save us.
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 2026: p. 118
Jesus prayed Psalm 22 as he was crucified. Sarah Hart offers a thoughtful verbatim setting of the Lord’s lament.
Lenten Gospel Acclamation Glory to You, Word of God: Mass of St. Mary Magdalene (Sarah Hart)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: p. 122
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 #159
Bob Hurd’s exquisite 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 More Beautiful (Sarah Hart, Jeremy Bose, and Marc Byrd)
This beloved contemporary song draws us into the mystery of Palm Sunday. You will find the sheet music in the link above.
Sending Forth Your Only Son (Twila Paris)
Spirit & Song #174; Never Too Young #188
Twila Paris offers a Passiontide classic that sends us forth prayerfully as we contemplate the powerful lyrics: “Your gift of love they crucified, they laughed and scorned him as he died; the humble King they named a fraud, and sacrificed the Lamb of God.”
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.