# Palm Sunday Reflection: Who Am I, Where Is My Heart?
*2016-03-20*

> Bill Young reflects on Palm Sunday, asking listeners to consider their identity before Jesus—whether they join the joyous crowd, the fearful disciples, or the betrayers—and to pray for the courage to follow Christ through Holy Week.

## A Crowded Palm Sunday

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young. Today is Palm Sunday, 2016. When my wife and I arrived for the 12:30 Mass at St. David’s, the parking lot was unusually full. I realized many people who don’t normally attend Mass were there, perhaps drawn by the solemnity of Holy Week. Let us pray that they not only come today but continue to return throughout Holy Week and into Easter.

## The Question of Identity

Our theme today is “Who am I, and where is my heart?” Pope Francis, in his apostolic exhortation *Evangelii Gaudium*, invites us to renew our hearts. He asks, “Do you also wish to go away?” Simon Peter answered Jesus, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:67‑68). Holy Week begins with a festive procession of palms, yet it quickly moves to the mystery of Christ’s suffering and resurrection. In this context we must ask ourselves: Who am I before the Lord?

## Before the Joyful Crowd

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowd shouted, “Hosanna!” Am I ready to join that enthusiastic praise, or do I stand back, hesitant to celebrate?

## Before the Suffering Christ

When Jesus bears the cross, do I resemble the religious leaders who plotted His death, or Judas who betrayed Him with a kiss? Do I fall asleep like the disciples who could not stay awake while He suffered? Or do I, like the disciple who tried to defend Him with a sword, resort to violence instead of trusting God’s plan?

## Where Is My Heart?

Which of these attitudes reflects my heart today? May this question stay with us throughout the week, guiding our prayers and actions.

## A Prayer for the Way of the Cross

Jesus, help me overcome my fears and failures so that I may follow You more closely on the way of the cross. Amen.

*Holy Week challenges us to examine where our hearts truly lie and to choose the path of faithful discipleship.*