Palm Sunday - ‘I Love You’:

The supreme irony of the whole crucifixion scene is this: He, who was everything, had everything taken away from him. He, who was the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, was crowned with thorns. He is the eternal sign of God to humans, yet his arms were nailed open because he said in his life three most dangerous words: “I love you.”

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The entrance into Jerusalem was so public, that even the Pharisees said: "All the world has gone after Him." (Jn 12:19) All this was in opposition to His usual manner. Before He dampened all their enthusiasms; now He kindled them. Why? Because His "Hour" had come. It was time now for Him to make the last public affirmation of His claims. He knew it would lead to Calvary, and His Ascension and the establishment of His Kingdom on earth.Once He acknowledged their praise, then there were only two courses open to the city: confess Him as did Peter, or else crucify Him. Either He was their King, or else they would have no king but Caesar.

- Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen - Reflection on Palm Sunday