Palm Sunday marks Christ’s entrance to Jerusalem and the people’s receiving him as a king, not on a throne, but on their hearts.
The people’s joy upon receiving Christ does attract one’s attention: for some of them carried branches and palms. Others, including children, spread their clothes before Him. Everybody cried out so loudly that the city shook. Scribes and chief priests asked Christ to hush them, but He said, “I tell you… if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out!”
Here, it is worthy to pose a question: why did the multitudes enthrone Christ on their hearts, in spite of the simplicity of His life, lacking in wealth, and, even more, having no place to rest His head?
A person’s influence does not conform to the rules of wealth or authority. Rather, the merciful, kind, and loving are the most influential. Christ offered everybody great love. He roamed doing good, healing the sick, strengthening the weak, and never rejecting whoever sought help or repentance, no matter how evil his or her past was. He accepted everybody. Though He is the master and teacher, He served all people with wonderful mercy and humbleness.
He shared their pains and joys, and taught them the way and the truth, thus, implanting love and goodness within everybody’s heart. Through love and mercy, He reached out to souls that could not reach Him. He called Zacchaeus, the tax-collector who climbed the tree, walked for long hours to reach the Samaritan woman for her repentance, and headed toward the sick man of Bethesda who had nobody to help him for thirty-eight years, and others who books cannot include.
At the same time, He advocated truth, rebuking the cruelty of the priests, Scribes, and Pharisees toward the weak souls. So much so that they attacked Him for constantly serving and associating with such people who they counted worthless sinners! Christ’s love and service for humanity have been unlimited, which is why He became king of the hearts and souls. This was manifest upon His reception in Jerusalem. Yet, He was no earthly king.
I once read the following: “Think, then answer the following questions: Mention the names of the wealthiest five people in the world? Who won the Nobel Prize throughout the past decade? If the answer is difficult, do not bother: for nobody will remember them! Now, try answering the following: Mention the names of three teachers who influenced you. Mention the names of three friends who supported you during hardships. Can you remember some people who made you think you are outstanding and can succeed? I think you can answer these questions.”
Indeed, we do not remember the wealthy or renowned, but we do those who offered us love and support when we thought we have lost all glimpses of hope.
Many Happy returns!
General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
