Homily on the entry of our Lord into Jerusalem.
The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!” Jn 12:12-13
On this day all blessed, the King of Kings! The awaited one! The Messiah - enters into Jerusalem as the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world! The unblemished calf that goes forth to His voluntary suffering, as the crowd cheers - "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes with the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!" Jn12:13
Our Lord in His awesomeness, in His omnipotence, in His infinite Glory could have chosen to enter into Jerusalem upon a heard of giant elephants; accompanied by a flock of majestic peacocks and an army of soldiers to defend Him. However, as He has revealed to us that He is meek and humble in heart, (Mt 11:29) He chose to enter as a humble servant; upon an ordinary donkey!
Thus, time and time again throughout Holy Scripture, our Lord has shown us that it is through the simplicities in life that we find true fulfilment and authenticity! May I explain using food as an example. I remember several years ago Presbytera and I were invited to a fancy wedding, where everything was supposed to be the best of the best!
The venue looked absolutely amazing. The room was adorned with beautiful crystals, floral arrangements, and shining tableware. To be honest, I was really looking forward to taste the food and to see why it cost more than $200 per person; I was interested to see what the fuss was about.
Thus, when dinner was being served, I watched as these extra large plates were being carried out from the kitchen to the tables. I remember thinking to myself - wow I'm going to be nice and full after this meal.
Firstly, all you could see was a massive plate and a small piece of fish with the smallest amount of vegetables I have ever seen. However, this was not this issue. The issue was that it had absolutely Zero taste! It was plated amazing and it looked good to the eye; but it was as bland as an unsalted rice cracker!
In comparison to a meal that I made several weeks ago. One day a few weeks ago I decided to make some vegetable soup with lentils; being Great Lent I wanted to eat vegan that particular day. Thus I accidently let the soup cook a little more than what it needed and to allow you to in-vision it, it looked like a bowl of puke!(Vomit)
However, it was one of the most delicious soups I've made in quite some time. I nearly ate the whole pot on my own; even my fussy little girls enjoyed a small bowl.
Therefore, just because something looks great and fabulous, does not mean that it will be the case. Jesus our Lord came in His simple clothing riding a simple donkey but look what He did in His simplicity. He gave Himself up as a ransom so that via His voluntary death, we would no longer experience the sting of death! An extraordinary gift from the simple and loving heart of God!
Hence, most of us have come to the realization that it truly is the simple things in life that matter! Our spouse/partner, our children, our family, our Church family, our friends, our pets, our home cooked meals, sharing funny stories at the dinner table and much more.
In addition, it's interesting to note that all the examples I have listed above are not created by man but stem from God the Pantocrator (creator). Jesus exhorts that we are to gather treasures for the kingdom Mt 16:20-21. Well as we know all those listed above are our treasures; those whom we have come to know and love; holding them close to our hearts! We know that true love only stems from the heart of God, thus we know without a doubt that our loved ones; our treasures are a gift from God!
Having stated thus, let us draw near to the All-Holy-Trinity as Holy week begins. Let us remember our loved ones and also remember those who have no one to love them. It is sad but there are many people who will celebrate our Lord's Triumph over death (Holy Pascha) alone due to family disputes, deaths, divorce and other reasons.
Let us pray for them and ask that our Lord grant them the peace their broken hearts crave and deserve. A peace this superficial world cannot give nor fathom. To all who celebrate the Lord's Pascha this Sunday, on behalf of this Holy Metropolis, we would like to extend our best wishes and prayers to you and your families. Happy Easter
Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. Jn12:17-18
Through the prayers of the Holy Theotokos, Lord Jesus Christ our God have mercy on us! Amen
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