By Llywellenie Mpasa & Grecium Gama:
Christians in Malawi joined the rest of the world Sunday in commemorating Palm Sunday, marking the biblical re-enactment of Jesus Christ’s “triumphant entry into Jerusalem”.
The occasion marks the beginning of Holy Week, a time when Jesus is led to suffering, crucifixion and resurrection.
The core message from most church leaders during services held across the country was one of repentance and unity.
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Bishop Montfort Sitima of the Catholic Church’s Mangochi Diocese urged Christians to reflect on the true meaning of Palm Sunday.
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Sitima, together with leaders from the Anglican and Lutheran churches, gathered their congregants at Balaka Stadium, where a service was held before each church dispersed to their respective prayer houses.
He said repentance and forgiveness are central during this period, adding that Palm Sunday is more than just a symbolic event.
Christians from Mount Olive Church of the Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) marched through the streets of Chilobwe Township in a symbolic re-enactment of Jesus Christ’s entry into Jerusalem.
Speaking during the parade, Reverend Michael Ngaiyaye of Mount Olive CCAP urged Christians to repent and allow Jesus Christ to take the lead in their lives.
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“Holy Week is a time to reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made for humanity. Let us repent and accept Jesus, allowing Him to transform our lives for the betterment of society,” Ngaiyaye said.
At Zomba Zero CCAP, Moderator Reverend Jafali Asidi Phiri led Christians in a walk through the city, followed by two hours of prayer at the church’s multipurpose hall.
In his sermon, Phiri called on the faithful to build trust in Jesus Christ.
In Mulanje, church leaders urged Christians to use the Easter season to forgive others and practise charity, as “the period is a reminder of Jesus Christ’s love and sacrifice for humanity”.
Speaking during church services, Reverend Collins Maganga of Chitakale Parish and Reverend Samson Obey Mseu of Chilimankhwanje Parish encouraged believers to reconcile with those they have wronged and support those in need.
“As the Bible says in Hebrews 13:16, ‘Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased’,” Maganga said.
On his part, Reverend Mseu said the season is a time for spiritual renewal.
“This is a time to reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made for humanity. Let us repent and accept Jesus to transform our lives for the betterment of society,” he said.
For its part, the Livingstonia Synod of the CCAP has asked Malawians to pray for peace during Holy Week as Malawi heads towards the 16 September general elections.
The Synod’s Moderator, Reverend Jailosi Kamisa, made the call during Palm Sunday celebrations held at St Andrews CCAP in Mzuzu.
To commemorate the day, congregants at St Andrews held a parade through the streets of Mzuzu, joyfully singing and waving palm branches— symbolic of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
“As far as our country is concerned, we are going through difficult times and we are heading towards elections. As such, the message that we are preaching is about peace. Jesus entered Jerusalem with peace and we should do the same,” Kamisa said.
Palm Sunday is celebrated with church services, often featuring processions where congregants carry palms, and is considered a time to reflect on both the joyous celebration of Jesus’ arrival and the sombre events that follow in the coming week, including his crucifixion on Good Friday.— Additional reporting by Jarson Malowa, Blessings Makuwira & Feston Malekezo
