Date: 22 Apr 2021
Author:
Econom Alexander Lashkov
In the sacred twelve of the great Christian holidays, Palm Sunday, or The Triumphal Entry of Christ into Jerusalem, holds a special place. Seen in the context of the Lenten Sundays, which in a continuous crescendo enrich our consciousness with instructional images and examples and stir penitent feelings and sentiments in our hearts, Palm Sunday comes somewhat suddenly – like a bright and colorful painting shining before us after contemplating a series of strict and austere graphics. After six weeks of fasting and critical introspection, having recognized our own sinfulness and sincerely repented for it, the Holy Church calls us to join the rejoicing residents and guests of Jerusalem, to welcome with flowers and fresh branches the one coming in the name of the Lord.
What an unexpected contrast of images and colors, of moods and feelings! To the uninformed observer, this joy at the very end of the Holy Forty Days, when the power of the penitential mood has reached its peak, seems untimely and inappropriate. But to the believing Christian, who with their spiritual gaze penetrates the deep and hidden meaning of things, this event unfolds with all its emotional multi-layeredness and significance. Yes, there is joy and jubilant crowds, but before this, Christ wept for this same city, which coldly and arrogantly rejected His gospel. There are exultations and welcoming cheers, but there is also anger and Pharisee malice. Against the backdrop of the public celebration, like a somber undertone, there resonates and is sensed the premonition of the forthcoming drama. In this unique festival in beauty and richness of feelings, in a polyphonic unity are gathered joy and sorrow, ecstasy and suffering; in the coming days we will experience them again, but no longer simultaneously, rather sequentially. Taking a sip of joy and light from the holiday, during the Holy Week we will immerse even deeper into the empathy of Christ's sufferings, to reach the dazzling brilliance of His Resurrection. Becoming a participant in the stirring dramaturgy of these great events, every Christian soul is thoroughly purified and receives a powerful impetus on the path towards love and light...
The power of the Christian holidays is thrilling and irresistible, as they have gathered within themselves the good and the beautiful, the wisdom and the elevated feelings, the ethical and the aesthetic. Let us also, joining the Jerusalemites crying "Hosanna," welcome the Savior with joy and flowers, with willow branches and exultation. But looking at this solemn event from the crest of millennia, let us welcome Christ not as an earthly, but as a Heavenly King. Let us ask and expect from Him not only physical health, earthly goods, and material well-being, but let us pray for His heavenly help and grace; let us ask Him to give us the strength to walk the path of good and truth, to stir our compassion and tenderness, to help us overcome our egoism and self-love. Only in this way will we open our souls to the Savior, for Him to enter them and fill them with joy, love, and light.
Author: Father Alexander Lashkov
Photo: Brianna Santellan/Unsplash.com
