Kota Kinabalu: In Sabah, Catholics thronged churches to celebrate Palm Sunday, also known as Passion Sunday, marking the beginning of Holy Week, despite the heatwave.
Palm Sunday marks the start of a series of significant observances for Christians worldwide, culminating in the celebration of Easter, the cornerstone of the Christian faith.
At St Simon Church in Likas, the celebration began with a solemn procession led by the church’s rector, Rev Fr Michael Modoit, who guided parishioners from the hall to the main church building.
The faithful carried palm leaves, symbolising Jesus Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
In his homily, Fr Michael emphasised the spiritual significance of Palm Sunday and its role in preparing believers for the central events of the Christian faith – the life, suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“We are already in Holy Week. Today, we begin reflecting on the Passion of Christ,” he said, dressed in red liturgical vestments symbolising Christ’s sacrifice.
Fr Michael explained that the Gospel reading proclaimed during Palm Sunday is intentionally lengthy, as it captures the full narrative of Christ’s Passion.
He noted that the reading can be understood in 14 distinct sections, each highlighting key moments leading up to the crucifixion and burial of Jesus.
Among the themes he highlighted were Judas Iscariot’s betrayal, the institution of the Eucharist during the Last Supper, Peter’s denial of Jesus, and Christ’s agony in prayer before his arrest.
He also spoke of Jesus’ trial before Pontius Pilate, describing the Roman governor as being caught in a difficult position despite recognising Jesus’ innocence. “Pilate found himself in a dilemma, pressured by the crowd, yet aware that Jesus had done no wrong,” he said.
Fr Michael continued by reflecting on the suffering endured by Christ, including the mocking, humiliation, and eventual crucifixion. He reminded the faithful that Good Friday, while a public holiday, is a sacred day commemorating the Way of the Cross and Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.
The homily concluded with a reminder that the Passion narrative does not end with death, but points toward the hope of resurrection, which will be celebrated on Easter Sunday.
Meanwhile, at the second service the same day, former rector Rev Fr Cosmas Lee emphasised the importance of silence. He later led the congregation into a brief period of silence after making the statement.
