Palm Sunday

Apr 8, 2012

 

Philippians 4:4-9

John 12:1-18

 

187, 189, 239

 

 

 

 

WHAT CAN
WE DO? In times
of frustration, people sometimes ask themselves: <<ti na kanoume;>>  (“what can we do?”) Oddly enough, this phrase is not typically used in times of joy. Reacting  in a negative way to life’s circumstances can easily lead us into darkness and  depression. Because of this, we can lose the desire to seek the truth that our  Savior has revealed to us. And even worse, we can convince ourselves that there
is no truth at all! We are all called to be united with God and to His Holy will. But, apart from God, we can do nothing (John 15:15). We can
only live up to His expectations through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians  4:13). So, how should we respond when we find ourselves frustrated and asking “what  can we do?”

As St. Paul tells us today: We must “Rejoice  in the Lord,” and we must be “anxious for nothing.” We must also pray with
thanksgiving, and let God’s peace guard your hearts, so that we can meditate on  all things that are good. If we do not do these things, we will not be able to act  on the blessings that He has given us. (Phil 4:4-9)

 

PALM SUNDAY: Palm Sunday commemorates our Lord’s entrance into Jerusalem  prior to His death and resurrection. By this time, the news of Jesus, the  Kingdom of Heaven, and His miracles had lead to a following of Him as the Son  of God by people who believed in both Him, and His message. However, other  people were confused. They perceived Him and His message with their own  expectations, fears, and disbelief. And much like today, some people did not  even care!

For this reason, Christ and His  triumphant entry was received by people in different ways. Was he to be received  as the Son of God who came to bring salvation to the world? Was He someone sent  to overthrow the religious and political powers of His time? Or, was He just a  popular man with foolish beliefs?

Our Savior came to give His life as a  ransom for many, and He defeated the powers of sin and death with own death and
resurrection. It’s for this reason that we know Him as our Lord and God. But,  just like those who were present at the triumphant entry in Jerusalem, we must  also decide how we are going to receive Him as we prepare for His death, and
Resurrection.

Ask yourself this Palm Sunday: Will we  receive Him with our own fears, reservations, or even disbelief? Or, will we be  among every knee that bows to Him on heaven and on earth (Philippians 2:10) as  we prepare for His glorious resurrection?

 

THEY CALLED UPON THE LORD WHO WOULD  RISE FROM THE DEAD:

“Hosanna! (Save us!)
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord…”(John 12:13)

 

…We call upon the lord who has risen from the dead!

“Save  us o Son of God who did rise from the Dead!” (Divine Liturgy)

“Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of Sabbaoth. Heaven and Earth are full of your Glory. Hosanna  in the Highest. Blessed is He who comes in the name of Lord. Hosanna in the  Highest…” (Divine Liturgy)

 

STEWARDSHIP-THE EXAMPLE OF AMERICAN  EVANGELICALS: Studies have shown that in recent years, American  evangelicals have given an average of $3,601 per person to nonprofit  organizations per year. They have also given four times as much per person than
in many other Christian denominations throughout the United States. These  denominations include other protestant churches (Lutheran, Presbyterian, Episcopalian,   Methodists, etc.). This also includes Roman Catholic parishes, and Orthodox  parishes throughout the United States!

Imagine how much better off we would be  as Orthodox Christians if we were better stewards of our own resources?

If you haven’t done so already, please submit your 2012 Stewardship Pledge to the Church today.  Also, if you haven’t completed your payment
for 2011, please do so immediately.  Letters  have been mailed out to all that still need to pay their pledged amount.
Remember that we have a deficit. Help us by fulfilling your obligation.