Spring. The heat has not yet scorched the fields and valleys; a gentle breeze from the Sea of Galilee pleasantly blows across the faces of the pilgrims. And there are thousands and thousands of them. Everyone is rushing to Jerusalem for Passover. He will pray in the Temple, make a sacrifice, and, of course, celebrate.
Here, to the city full of God’s glory, Christ and his disciples headed. For the first time, not on foot, but on horseback. On a young donkey — exactly as the prophet Zechariah described this event several hundred years earlier. Rejoice, Zion! Here comes the Tsar.
Of course, everyone has already heard about the resurrection of Lazarus. The city was full of rumors, speculation and stories about the miracle in Bethany. Everyone wanted to look at Christ. Undoubtedly, he is the messenger of God.
Now the Roman yoke will surely come to an end.
The people triumphed. Jesus was greeted like a king. Palm branches, clothes, flowers flew under the feet of the young donkey.
Among the general rejoicing, only Christ understood that this was not a meeting of the king, but the beginning of the way of the cross.
What did Jesus feel, looking at the triumphant crowd, knowing that in 5 days the same people would shout: “Crucify”? How could he withstand this noise of greetings, the joyful smiles of the students, their excited exclamations, anticipating betrayal, panic, and renunciation?
But for now, the people are celebrating. And our Lord gives them the opportunity to enjoy the moment, to rejoice with a soul full of hope for change for the better. He himself cries about Jerusalem and its fate.
Holy Week is ahead, but for now it’s time to cut willow branches to bring them to the temple. The branches are illuminated during the midnight vigil, as well as on the holiday itself, after the Liturgy. They bring it home as a reminder that there is still time to repent and turn to the Savior. Not for a kingdom on earth, but for eternal bliss in Heaven.
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