|
|
Palm Sunday, 2005 OcalaBlessed is He, who cometh in the Name of the Lord! I would think, that it is not very difficult to envision the great pomp and splendor of our Lord's triumphant entry into Jerusalem. This conception comes to life when we read the Biblical description, --- or when we view the masterpieces of the great artists of the ages, whose paintings are as vivid as life. The multitudes of Jerusalem rush to the outskirts of the City to receive the Lord as King. They wave the palm branches, and many spread their tunics or togas on the ground so that Jesus would pass over them. These thousands, who had gathered continuously sang the Lord's praises: "Hosanna, Son of David. Blessed is He, who cometh in the Name o f the Lord!" Yet, these same voices who sang His praises, only a few days later were shouting: "Crucify Him, crucify Him!" Unfortunately this seems to be part of some people's nature. The instability of their character. Today they espouse one thing, and tomorrow they endorse the opposite. They change their opinion, as well as modify their convictions so readily, even when it comes to the most important issues in life. This was ever so evident during the week of our Lord's Passion. On this day almost 2000 years ago, our Lord and God is received as a King! A few days later He is put in the classification of a common criminal! But, --- is this not true of so many Christians even today? There are times, when we glorify the Name of the Lord and sing His praises. Like the multitudes we sing: "Blessed is He who cometh in the Name of the Lord!" But, as occasions arise, we make an about face, and permit materialism and human passions to absorb us in such a way that our actions betray our Lord and His Teachings! If someone was to ask us bluntly: "Are you a good Christian?" I feel confident, that we would just about hear the same answer: "of course I am!" Yet, --- when a situation arises for some, when faith and dedication must be manifested, and the nobility of character to sparkle and shine, conveniently the bonds with the Lord are forgotten, and every attempt is made to solve matters in a manner, which will be most beneficial to us. This opportunism, as I refer to it, is seen, not only among individuals; but in groups, in societies and even in nations! However, by and large, the fruits of this opportunism is most often unhappiness, catastrophe and desolation. In the great drama of our Lord's life, Judas the Iscariot played a major role! He saw God before Him. He lived with Him for 3 years. He saw works, that man could have never conceived or envisioned. But, --- all these somehow left his heart cold, while his perverted mind was making selfish calculations. Love was a word, which he could not apply to anyone except himself! It was a very selfish and egocentric love; a twisted and perverted love. When he saw Mary, the sister of Lazarus, pouring expensive ointment on the Lord's feet to execute a Jewish custom, his selfishness comes to the surface when he says: "Should not this myrrh have been sold for 300 Dinars, and the money given to the poor?" It was well known, that his concern was not even remotely connected with the poor. His concern was self-centered, because he held the purse strings of the Apostles; and if the myrrh was sold for 300 Dinars, he would have received and kept the money. Will we not agree that this portrayal of Judas is a veritable prototype of so many today, who have been enslaved by materialism? Thank God that in our society today, as in all ages, we are so blessed to have people with Mary's dedication. Unfortunately though, the Judases are not absent. These minor or great imitators of Judas, exist only for their selfish being, and at all times, their calculation centers around the idea what's in it for them! They have no feelings, nor any compassion for their fellow man. All their thoughts, and all their actions are firstly weighed on their own measuring scale of personal advantage! Money without question is their god! Thus, these types may be, or, may become wealthy economically, but rest assured that they are spiritually impoverished and consequently miserable and unfulfilled. How are we witnesses of this? To be sure, man was not created to live by himself --- and only for himself. Did not the Lord emphasize "For what shall it profit a man if he should gain the whole world and lose his own soul? And what is it, that man can give in exchange for his soul?" We mentioned the two extremes; the models of the good and of the evil. -- But, between the natures of Mary and Judas, there is a middle category. In this category, we have the people, who perhaps do not have the degree of the love and devotion of Mary, but also they are not frozen, or calloused to the core,----- or perverted, like Judas. In this category we classify those, who are unstable in character -- who are easily influenced, and who can readily change their mind from situation to situation. Now we see them warm and enthusiastic about an idea or a project, and in some unforeseen and unexpected moment, we see them with an opposite attitude; -- cold, and sometimes even militant against that, which they had formerly espoused. I have witnessed this vacillation of humans with so much sorrow over the past 63 years that I have been serving our Holy Church. It is so regrettable, because these people have no stability in their lives. Their allegiance is not founded firmly, but is on shaky foundations. They lack sincerity. It could be said, that these people belong to the psychology of the mob. They resemble so closely the multitudes, who on Jesus' entry into Jerusalem cheered and praised Him enthusiastically shouting: "Blessed is He, Who cometh in he Name of the Lord!" and only a few days later, these same people were vehemently shouting: "Crucify Him, crucify Him!" But the Lord stated emphatically: "He who is not with Me, is against me!" He does not provide for a middle condition. A natural question then, for each of us would be: "In which category do we belong?" I surely pray that we would be in Mary's category, which encompasses the supreme virtues of love, sincerity and devotion. During the moving Services of this week which should have our complete focus on the awesome Events of Holy Week, we witness the absence of so many Christians, until Great Friday Evening and of course at Resurrection Services on Pascha. I would hope that some of these, who fill our Churches on the last two nights of Holy Week may have pledged to themselves, that their life must change; to more closely follow that, which the Lord has taught. Of course the intention is noble. However, as experience proves, soon after the glory of Easter has faded in their minds, they will return to their former dry and unspirited routine in life. This is so unfortunate, because they can never truly sense a re-birth, only because they have not disciplined themselves, to become masters over their own self. One thing though is certain. Our Lord Jesus is always there for us. He is eternally present with open arms to receive us, when we truly decide to give essence to our Christianity. He stands and knocks at the door of our heart; but it is up to us to open our heart for Him to enter. Only then my beloved, can we sense the fullness of the phrase: "Blessed is He, Who cometh in the Name of the Lord."
|
|
Back to home page
Send mail to
epantaz@yahoo.com with
questions or comments about this web site.
|