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Introduction: A Crowd That Changes Its Tune
In the contemplative silence of Holy Week, the liturgy presents us with a heartbreaking contrast: the same people who one day acclaimed Jesus as Messiah with palms and hosannas days later shout in fury, “Crucify Him!” (Mt 21:9; 27:22). This dramatic shift is not just a historical account—it is a mirror of our own spiritual frailty.
How is it possible that those who welcomed Him as king would reject Him as redeemer? What does this reversal say about human nature, about our own inconsistencies? And most importantly: How can we, today, avoid falling into the same fickleness?
I. The “Hosanna”: Acclaiming the Humble King
1. The Meaning of Hosanna
The word “Hosanna” comes from the Hebrew “Hoshia na” (“Save us, please!”), a cry of supplication and covenant that the people of Israel directed to God in moments of messianic expectation (Ps 118:25). When Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey (Zech 9:9), the crowd recognizes Him as the fulfillment of prophecy: the promised King, the Son of David.
But there is a crucial detail: Jesus does not enter as a military conqueror, but as a king of peace. His kingdom is not of earthly power but of surrender and sacrifice.
2. The Crowd’s Misunderstanding
The problem was not their praise but their misguided expectations. Many expected a political liberator who would save them from Rome, not a Savior who would ask them to take up their cross (Lk 9:23). When they realized that Jesus had not come to give them earthly glory but to call them to conversion, their enthusiasm turned to disappointment.
II. From “Hosanna” to “Crucify Him”: What Happened in Those Days?
1. The Fragility of Superficial Faith
Faith based only on emotions or temporary benefits is fragile. The crowd cheered Jesus when they thought He would bring them immediate victories, but they abandoned that faith when He demanded sacrifice and love for their enemies.
Today, many Christians live a similar faith: they seek God in prosperity but abandon Him in trials. We cry “Hosanna” when things go well, but does our heart turn into a “crucify Him” when His will clashes with ours?
2. The Influence of the Crowd and Fear
St. John tells us that many Jews “would not openly confess their faith for fear of the Pharisees” (Jn 12:42). At Jesus’ trial, the voice of the mob, manipulated by religious leaders, pressured many into condemning Him. Fear of rejection, of standing out, of going against the crowd led them to betray their own conscience.
Today, the world still shouts “crucify Him” in many ways:
- When it mocks Christian morality.
- When it demands silence in the name of “tolerance.”
- When relativism tempts us to deny Christ to avoid being labeled.
3. The Tragedy of Barabbas: Choosing the World Over Christ
Pilate gave them a choice: “Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus?” (Mt 27:21). The people chose the criminal. This is the tragedy of those who choose sin, violence, or pleasure over grace.
Today, we still choose “Barabbas” every time we:
- Prefer selfishness over charity.
- Justify sin because “everyone does it.”
- Exchange God for modern idols: success, power, hedonism.
III. Lessons for Today’s Christian
1. Examine Our Faith: Is It Authentic or Self-Serving?
- Do we love Christ for who He is, or for what He gives us?
- Do we persevere in faith when life gets hard?
2. Follow Conscience, Not the Crowd
God’s voice is not always the most popular. The true disciple follows Christ, even when the world shouts otherwise.
3. The Cross as the Path to Glory
Jesus did not avoid suffering because He knew true love demands sacrifice. Our faith is not an escape from the cross but the strength to embrace it.
4. Mercy for the Fickle
Peter denied Christ but later wept and repented. God forgives our inconstancy if we return to Him.
Conclusion: What Will You Shout?
Holy Week confronts us: Are we among those who cry “Hosanna” only when convenient, or those who remain faithful even to the cross?
Today, the world still demands that we “crucify” Christ—through silence, indifference, or sin. But the liturgy calls us to be consistent, to love Jesus not only in triumph but in sacrifice.
May our lives not be an empty “Hosanna” but an eternal one—the cry of those who follow Him to Calvary, knowing that after the cross comes the Resurrection.
“Lord, do not let my faith be fickle. May I recognize You as King not only in joy but also in trial. Amen.”
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