On life (123) – ”The Humble King” – 23/4/2016

   Tomorrow, Egypt’s Christians celebrate Branch Sunday, aka., Palm Sunday which directly precedes Easter. On that day, Christ entered Jerusalem riding a colt in an august celebration. People, including children and Christ’s disciples, covered the ground with their robes, raised palms and tree branches and cried out, “Hosanna is the Son of David”.

   They were celebrating Christ, the King. The outcries shook the city. So much so that the Pharisees told one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!” Christ attracted people to Him through His love for them, for He used to do a lot of good, as healing the sick, restoring eyesight to the blind, cleansing lepers, exorcising demons, raising dead, and accepting children kindly, saying, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them.” Moreover, Christ never stopped teaching his disciples and the people whatever was required to lead a righteous life. This was how He spent the time of His service which lasted for three years and a few months. His deeds were full of love, mercy, and teaching.

   So humble was Christ that He never sought glory or dignity. Rather, He entered Jerusalem riding a colt! Prophet Zechariah writes, “The Coming of Zion’s King – See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” This was preceded by His sermon on the mount in which He beatified the humble: “Blessed are the humble, for they shall inherit the earth.” On Palm Sunday, Christ gave a practical example of humbleness, thereby attracting people’s hearts to him to which He became King.

   Yet, the Pharisees rejected that unique attraction and tried to get rid of Christ. They were blinded to His love by their own egoism and love for power. There is also Judas Iscariot who betrayed his Master for the love of money. Hence, they had a terrible end, for they took the path of arrogance and worldly love.

   Christ’s entering Jerusalem makes us recall His love for humanity. The great humbleness with which He lived among people is the best example for us to follow. His words are the light of our path, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

General Bishop

Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center