By TWE News Desk

As Christians around the world marked Palm Sunday—the beginning of Holy Week—Most Reverend Matthew Ishaya Audu, the Catholic Archbishop of Jos, urge the faithful to follow Jesus, the humble king who came not to be served but to serve.

Palm Sunday recalls the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey while crowds welcomed him with palm branches, singing “Hosanna.” But Archbishop Audu reminded worshippers on Palm Sunday during his homily, that this joyful scene was only the beginning of a week that would end in betrayal, suffering, and crucifixion.

“Jesus comes not to rule but to serve; not for glory but for salvation,” the Archbishop said, his voice echoing through the cathedral filled with waving palms and worshippers of all ages.

A Blood That Saves

At the heart of Archbishop Audu’s homily was the powerful message of redemption through Christ’s blood. He connected the theme of Palm Sunday to a popular song often heard in churches: “The blood of Jesus set me free, from sin and sorrow…”

He explained that blood, in every culture and in all living beings, represents life. From the baby in a mother’s womb to victims of war and surgery patients in need of a transfusion, blood gives and sustains life. In the same way, the blood of Jesus gives new life to sinners.

Quoting 1 Peter 1:18–19, the Archbishop reminded the congregation that they were not saved by silver or gold, but by “the precious blood of a lamb without stain—Jesus Christ.”

He also referenced the Old Testament, where the Israelites were saved from death by marking their doors with the blood of lambs during their escape from Egypt. “In the same way, Christ’s blood marks and saves us,” he said.

Entering Jerusalem: A Different Kind of King

Drawing from the Gospel reading, Archbishop Audu described Jesus’ decision to ride into Jerusalem on a young donkey—a humble animal rarely associated with royalty.

“This was not a Messiah with chariots and armies,” he said. “He was not surrounded by rich leaders or soldiers. He came with fishermen and poor people, and yet, everything was as the Scriptures said it would be.”

He noted that some people in the crowd didn’t understand what was happening. To them, it looked like “a ragtag group of travelers.” But those with eyes of faith recognized the moment for what it was—the arrival of the long-awaited Savior.

“Jesus’ whole life had prepared him for that moment. He chose to go to Jerusalem knowing what it would cost him. That is real courage. That is real love,” Archbishop Audu emphasized.

From “Hosanna!” to “Crucify Him!”

The Archbishop used a striking illustration to show how quickly public opinion can change. Comparing Jesus’ last week in Jerusalem to a celebrity’s rise and fall, he said:

“At the beginning of the week, everyone wanted to be seen with Jesus. He was the miracle worker, the best teacher, the one everyone talked about. But by the end of the week, they turned their backs on him.”

The same crowd that shouted “Hosanna” later cried out “Crucify him!” And when given a choice between Jesus and a criminal named Barabbas, the people chose the criminal.

“Indeed,” Archbishop Audu said, “success has many parents, but failure is an orphan. People will walk with you when life is good. But only a few will stay when the road gets rough.”

The Week That Changed the World

Archbishop Audu urged Catholics not to treat Holy Week as just another calendar event but to enter into it with their whole hearts.

“This week, we remember the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus—not as a story from the past, but as something happening now. We must live it. We must walk with Jesus.”

He warned against falling into the betrayal of Judas, who gave up on Jesus, and instead encouraged believers to follow the example of Peter, who repented and returned.

He also praised the faithful for participating deeply in the Holy Week liturgies, saying, “By joining the Passion readings, by reflecting and praying together, we help these events enter our own lives.”

A Messiah for the Poor and Broken

Perhaps the most touching moment of the homily came when the Archbishop reminded the crowd of who Jesus came to save.

“He is the Messiah of the humble and the destitute, the disadvantaged and the outcast,” Archbishop Audu declared. “He comes for the broken-hearted, for the sinners, for the sick.”

The donkey Jesus rode into Jerusalem was not just a means of transport—it was a symbol of the kind of king he was. “Not a ruler of riches or war,” the Archbishop said, “but a servant, a healer, a redeemer.”

A Final Challenge

As the homily came to a close, Archbishop Audu challenged the congregation to reflect on their own response to Jesus this Holy Week.

“Will we sing with the crowd on Sunday and abandon him by Friday? Or will we walk with him to the cross and share in his resurrection?”

He encouraged every Catholic to attend the Holy Week services—Holy Thursday’s washing of feet, Good Friday’s passion reading, and the Easter Vigil—so they could fully celebrate the mystery of salvation.

“Let us not be like those who wave palms in joy and then disappear in fear. Let us remain close to Jesus, even at the cross,” the Archbishop concluded.