LiturgyTools.net: Hymns for Palm Sunday / the 6th Sunday of Lent

A selection of hymns and songs, based on themes from the Roman Catholic lectionary for Palm Sunday / Passion Sunday, Year A.

Most are free-to-use (ie public domain or copyright-free, )meaning the words can be copied and sung to at least one tune with no concerns about copyright or performance licensing. Many such hymns are old/traditional - but where possible a variety of styles / genres are included.

A small selection of hymns that are still copyright may also be included - clearly labelled.

Palm Sunday, Year C

5th Sunday of Lent, Year A

Easter Sunday

Palm Sunday, Year B

Readings

Psalm blessing and procession readings

Matthew 21:1-11 - Jesus sends the disciples ahead to Jerusalem to get a donkey and a colt for him. Jesus rides on it into Jerusalem, greeted by the people spreading their garments on the road, waving palms and singing "Hosanna to the Son of David ..."

Psalm 23: The Lord is the earth and its fullness / who shall climb the mountain of the Lord

Psalm 46: All people clap your hands / He subdues peoples under us

Mass readings

First: Isaiah 50: 4-5 - The Lord has given me a disciples tongue ... I offered my back to those who struck me.

Psalm: 21 - My God, why have you forsaken me / All who see me deride me / Dogs have surrounded me / They divided my clothing among them.

Second: Philippians 2:6-11 - His state was divine yet Christ Jesus ... was humbler yet, even to accepting death on a cross. But God raised him high.

Gospel: Matthew 26:14 - 27:66, - The Passion, from Judas making a deal with the cheif priests to betray Jesus to them, through to Joseph of Arimathea being given Jesus body, and the Pharisees getting permission to put a special guard at the tomb.

Themes

The paradox: acclaiming Jesus as king, and one week later putting him to death.

Note: Although the readings cover the full passion story, most of the emphasis in the following list is on Jesus triumphant entrance acclaimed as a king. See the subsequent days suggestions for more penitential / suffering themes hymns.