Thought for Today
Exodus 15:27 Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees; and they camped there by the water.
Psalm 92:12 The righteous flourish like the palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
Matthew 21:8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
John 12:13 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord-- the King of Israel!"
Yesterday, some Christians celebrated Palm Sunday. Others celebrated Passion Sunday. I mentioned in my sermon that I almost always focus on the joyous entry into Jerusalem, the victorious entry of the king, on the words of the prophet Zechariah repeated in the gospel of Luke, "19:38 Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!" I almost always choose joy over sorrow, celebration over woe and misery. But, of course, life is a mixture of both.
This morning, I began to wonder (worry?) about palms versus cloaks. Luke says the people spread τὰ ἱμάτια (garments, clothing). Matthew and Mark reference τὰ ἱμάτια (garments, clothing) and κλάδους ἀπὸ τῶν δένδρων (branches from the trees). John mentions only τὰ βαΐα τῶν φοινίκων (branches of the palms). What did all those folks spread on the surface of the roadway? “Palm trees are not considered trees. They are actually classified as palms, which are a type of flowering plant. While they may resemble trees due to their height and appearance, they lack the bark that is characteristic of true trees” (Microsoft Copilot) Just to confuse the issue, the branches of a palm ‘tree’ are called fronds.
So, was yesterday Palm Sunday, Cloak Sunday or maybe even Frond Sunday? Was Shakespeare correct, does a rose by any other name smell as sweet? (Romeo and Juliet) Does it make any difference how we label the Sunday before Easter? Especially when this year that Sunday immediately precedes Tax Day? We definitely do not want to refer to it as Pre-Tax Sunday! For what it’s worth, we will talk tonight in our Bible Study about the passage in Mark dealing with paying taxes to Caesar!
“Palm Sunday started around the fourth century in the Jerusalem Church. In its early celebration, Christians sang hymns and recited prayers and sermons as they walked through several holy sites in the city. When they reached the place where Jesus ascended to heaven, the clergy would recite gospels pertaining to Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. After which, the people would go back to the church for an evening service, with the children carrying with them palm and olive branches.” (christianitytoday.com)
In the 21st century it is probably far too late to try to change what we title the Sunday prior to Easter. It will never be too late to read, study, think about and pray about the events of that last week in Jesus’ earthly life. The week which begins with that triumphant entry parade into Jerusalem. The week which ends with God’s shouted “Amen!” in the eternal reality of the Empty Tomb.
This week is crammed full of important events. Not every day is titled, but we do have Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. There is not a specific, grandiose event associated with each day; but, there are many significant and important events that did occur. The Last Supper. The betrayal, arrest and the trials before the Jewish authorities, Pilot and Herod. Jesus’ scourging. The Crucifixion and burial. All culminating with the glory of that Easter Morning Empty Tomb.
One of my favorite hymns, They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love, is a clarion call summoning us to live and work together in unity, “one in the Spirit.” The refrain assures Christians that others will recognize our faith by and through the love exemplified in our lives. That love is in response to the love God expressed for Creation through the Incarnation, Ministry, Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God. That love is brought to light and fruition in the events we remember each year during this week we began yesterday. Be cognizant of it all as we go through this week.
Stay safe, make sure they will know we are Christians, trust God,
Pastor Ray