Magyar Egyház, 2011 (90. évfolyam, 1. szám)
2011-02-01 / 1. szám
MAGYAR EGYHÁZ 3. oldal Cut in lifeless stones, radiated by glorious Easter. Scripture reading: Luke 19:28-44. Text: “When he (Jesus) came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: ‘Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!’ Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples!’ T tell you,’ he replied, ‘if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.’” Luke 19:37-40. We started Lent with a message centered on original sin and we learned that although the Bible does not mention original sin explicitly, it is there. Theology calls this type of conclusion “argumentum ex silentio” meaning indirectly it is included in the context. As we are getting closer to the end of Lent, again we wish to refer to “argumentum ex silentio” because as our Lord entered Jerusalem, He spoke only a few words, please see our text, yet so much is revealed through the actions and the unique events of that day. Let us observe all the participants of Palm Sunday. THE HUMAN ELEMENTS IN THE PROCESS OF JESUS ENTERING JERUSALEM ON PALM SUNDAY. TRADITION. In Exodus 12:1-14 we learn how the deliverance from Egypt should be celebrated “for the generations to come.” 14th verse. This commemorative celebration took place during the Holy Week and our Lord had complied with this Moses -ordered tradition. Are we in compliance with our ecclesiastical traditions, and do we ask ourselves: “Do I fit into the picture?” Most people think that they are exceptions, they are correct; they are exceptions and unique as everybody else. EXPECTATION. “. . . the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen . . See our text. It was expected that now even greater miracles would be performed because the Passover is a special holiday and many gathered in Jerusalem for this occasion. What are our expectations concerning God, the society, the community, and our beloved ones? Do we alone have the privilege to hope that our expectations will be granted? When others expect us to be nice, understanding, patient, generous, and forgiving are their expectations met? POWER STRUGGLE. “ ... Teacher, rebuke your disciples! . . See our text. The Pharisees were jealous of Jesus’ popularity and questioned his authority. The Pharisees had these questions in their minds: “Who has higher social status, who has more education, who has more authority, and who holds higher position in the church, and who deserves bigger ovations from the crowd?” Is politicking nothing else but power struggle? Do not we prefer to have the upper hand, last word, and the final decision? THE DIVINE ELEMENTS SHINING THROUGH THE SILENT AND QUIET PROCESS. Please observe who were the most vocal and the most silent in the Palm Sunday story. The crowd used such “loud voices” that the Pharisees made a critical statement: “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” Jesus’ reply was short and to the point: “I tell you ... if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” See our text. In Christ’s answer and his behavior, actions, and determination we find these divine attributes: HE KNEW THE FUTURE. In the whole city of Jerusalem, with so many attending the Passover, our Lord was the only one aware of the coming events that lead to Good Friday. Had others known what was coming, would they have behaved differently? If we would know what tomorrow, next week, next month, or next year will bring, how would we behave? Would we be willing to go ahead and fulfill our God-given ministry? HE KNEW THE PEOPLE. The crowd on Palm Sunday joyfully welcomed the arriving Messiah: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” and on Good Friday . . they kept shouting, ‘Crucify him! Crucify him!”’ Luke 23:21. Was it easy for Christ to remain consistent and persevering amidst such “mood swings?” HE KNEW THE WILL OF GOD. In the light of the unpredictable human behavior, which Christ could have used as an excuse, God’s will was more important. Remember how He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Luke 22:42. Could we pray in this way, . . your will be done . . .” (Matthew 6:10) even if God’s plan will not be pleasant for us?” Christ’s ministry during the Holy Week was justified by the testimony of the Roman centurion who had witnessed the crucifixion: “Surely he was the Son of God!” Matthew 27:54. The word “was” was replaced by “is” on that glorious Easter morning. Rev.Alexander Ja Iso, Pastor, Homestead,PA Christ is ‘Kisen: The wo rid 6eCow hies desolate Christ is Kisen: The spirits of evil are fallen Christ is Kisen: 1he angels of (jodare rejoicing Christ is Kisen: The tomhs of the dead are empty Christ is Kisen indeed from the dead, the first of the sleepers, Cjlory and power are his forever and ever St. JCippolytus (ß<D 190-236)
