Let's delve into the meaning of what Palm Sunday is

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

All believers should know a priori what Palm Sunday is. So let's delve into the history of this beautiful holiday.

A week before his resurrection, Jesus Christ on a donkey, which is a symbol of peace, entered Jerusalem. The people going before him and behind him praised the Son of God and blessed him. At the same time, as a sign of special respect, they held palm branches in their hands.

Some of them threw these branches at the feet of Christ. Previously, only kings and conquerors were honored with such an honor. But people who remembered such miracles of Jesus as the resurrection of Lazarus or the feeding of 5,000 people accepted him precisely in the role of the Mission. These thoughts were confirmed by the Word of God, which said that one should rejoice and rejoice, because the real just King has come. For these people, Jesus was the man chosen by God, who would finally deliver them from the annoying yoke of Roman rule. Looking at the road covered with palm branches, people imagined that this was only the beginning of the earthly glory of Jesus, and, at the same time, the beginning of their independence from external factors, the beginning of a rich, carefree life.

And only Jesus knew that from this day begins His journey to Calvary - suffering for the sins of all mankind. He probably guessed that in just a few days all this people, desperately shouting "Hosanna!", Will shout even more zealously "Crucify him." He knew, and with such power of love, which is inherent only in God, he went forward. After all, he was convinced that he brought to humanity more significant gifts than those they hoped for: instead of the earthly kingdom - the Kingdom of God, instead of liberation from earthly enemies - liberation from sin.

This story symbolizes not only the recognition of the true mission of Christ, but, at the same time, the prototype of his entry into Paradise. Therefore, the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem is one of the most revered holidays in the Christian world. This is what Palm Sunday is in the countries of Orthodoxy, where willow branches are traditionally used instead of palm branches on this day. There are other variants of the name: Flower-bearing Sunday, Palm Sunday, Vay Week (meaning palm trees). But, regardless of the name and symbolism of the rites, all Christians celebrate this holiday exactly one week before Easter (in 2013 it was April 28).

Usually on Palm Sunday, a large number of people gather in churches and in their yard with branches only awakened after winter sleep. They are in a joyful mood waiting for the consecration of the willow, which is carried out by priests dressed in festive green robes. Joy and beauty reign! Yes, Palm Sunday is such a celebration of life.

On this day the Churchrecalls the royal glorification of Jesus Christ before His death on the cross in order to show that the Savior's sufferings were voluntary. By the way, at the same time, she continues the services of Lazarus Saturday itself, and the priests read the prophecies about the King-Messiah from the Old Testament and explain what Palm Sunday is. Willow branches can be seen in the hands of parishioners. This is how they show their love and respect for God.

So, now it becomes clear what Palm Sunday is and what is the deep meaning of this holiday. We must remember how much Christ suffered for our sins and appreciate such efforts.