Today, as Christians around the world mark Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week, our Parish Priest, Fr. James Patrick Jjumba, delivered a deeply moving homily that resonated with the faithful, calling each one to examine their hearts in light of the Passion of Christ.
From the jubilant shouts of “Hosanna!” to the mournful silence of the Passion narrative, Fr. Jjumba invited the congregation to journey through the contrasting emotions that mark this pivotal moment in the liturgical calendar. “At the beginning, the mood was joyful—celebrating and proclaiming Jesus as our King. But after the Passion narrative, the mood changes—into one of sorrow, mourning, and reflection,” he said.
Mirror of Our Lives
Drawing from the Gospel reading, Fr. Jjumba powerfully likened the characters in the Passion story to modern-day attitudes and behaviors. “We resemble many of these people,” he shared. “Like Peter, we deny Christ—through our words and actions. Like Judas, we betray Him—for jobs, for comfort, for pleasure.”
He also referenced Pontius Pilate, who acted against his conscience, and the mocking soldiers who disrespected Christ—parallels that speak to everyday decisions made out of fear, peer pressure, or disregard for sacredness. Even the crowd that shouted “Crucify Him!” mirrors those moments when we fail to stand up for justice or remain silent in the face of wrongdoing.
“Our actions today may not involve literal crucifixion,” Fr. Jjumba explained, “but each time we tell lies, condemn the innocent, or tarnish someone’s name to protect our own position, we participate in the same injustice that condemned our Lord.”
The Donkey’s Tale: A Call to Humility
In a compelling metaphor, Fr. Jjumba recounted the tale of the donkey that carried Jesus into Jerusalem. Mistaking the crowd’s honor as his own, the donkey learns a humbling truth—“I am nothing without Him on my back.”
This simple yet profound lesson reminded the congregation that all glory and honor belong to Christ, not to us. “Are we donkeys with Christ on our backs—or just donkeys with Christian names?” Fr. Jjumba asked pointedly. “We are called to carry Christ so that others may see His mercy, His compassion, and His forgiveness in us.”
A Holy Week of Purpose
As Holy Week begins, Fr. Jjumba encouraged every believer to be like the obedient donkey—available, humble, and willing to carry Christ wherever He wants to go. “What is the donkey in your life?” he challenged. “It might be your time, your talent, your treasure—something the Lord wants to use for His glory.”
He concluded with a prayerful call to reconciliation and renewal, urging the faithful to amend broken relationships, receive the sacrament of penance, and prepare to joyfully celebrate the resurrection. “We may not be perfect,” he said, “but the Lord is ready to wash us clean once again.”
A Reflection by Fr. James Patrick Jjumba ( during the 11 O’clock Mass)
Our Lady of Africa Church, Mbuya – Palm Sunday 2025
