Palm Sunday
The Common Worship lectionary readings for Palm Sunday in Year B, the liturgical colour, and what changes in the order of service.
Year BHoly Weekred
The readings
- First reading
- Isaiah 50:4-9a
- Psalm
- Psalm 31:9-16
- Second reading
- Philippians 2:5-11
- Gospel
- Mark 14:1-15:47 or Mark 15:1-39, (40-47)
Citations follow the Revised Common Lectionary as used in the Church of England's Common Worship principal service lectionary. Verse numbering can differ very slightly between Bible translations.
The liturgical colour
Red for the Spirit and for blood: Pentecost, Passiontide, and the feasts of martyrs. On this Sunday the colour is red.
What changes in the service
The Gloria is omitted and a Tract replaces the Alleluia acclamation before the Gospel.
In SundayHQ this is the lent template shape. You set your order of service once; when the season turns, one click applies the seasonal change and leaves the rest of your parish's own wording alone.
Hymns that fit these readings
Suggestions matched to the readings above, each with the reason it was chosen:
- Opening — All glory, laud and honour The Palm Sunday procession
- Gradual — Ride on, ride on in majesty The entry into Jerusalem, and the Passion it opens
- Offertory — My song is love unknown Passiontide; long enough for the preparation
- Communion — When I survey the wondrous cross The cross, at the table
- Final — O sacred head, sore wounded Sends them out into the Triduum, not into applause
When it next falls
| Date | Liturgical year |
|---|---|
| 21 March 2027 | Year B |
| 14 April 2030 | Year B |
| 10 April 2033 | Year B |
| 6 April 2036 | Year B |
Year B comes round every three years. The date moves because the whole calendar hangs off Easter.
The same Sunday in the other years
Questions
What are the readings for Palm Sunday in Year B?
First reading Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 31:9-16; second reading Philippians 2:5-11; Gospel Mark 14:1-15:47 or Mark 15:1-39, (40-47).
What colour is worn on Palm Sunday?
Red. Red for the Spirit and for blood: Pentecost, Passiontide, and the feasts of martyrs.
Which season is Palm Sunday in?
Holy Week. Palm Sunday to Holy Saturday: the most closely shaped week in the calendar.