Before a rocket is launched into outer space, the command
center’s main responsibility is to ensure that absolutely everything is in
proper order before takeoff. If just one screw is out of place, it could result
in total disaster. Once the inspection is complete and the Launch Director has
determined the rocket “Go for Launch” then final liftoff sequence may begin.
The same can be said about the Passion of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ.
With the raising of Lazarus from the dead, which we commemorated
yesterday, the stage was set for Christ to complete what He had come to
accomplish. Up until this point, Jesus always rejected the public praises of
the crowd, even disappearing without notice to avoid arriving at His Passion
too quickly. The Gospel’s teach of Christ’ birth, Baptism, temptation,
recruiting His disciples, His teaching, His miracles, His public and private
debates with members of the religious elite, and the numerous prophecies He
fulfilled. Once everything had been set in order, then Jesus authorized the
final countdown sequence.
Saint Athanasios teaches us that Christ waited for the most
public day, in the most public city, during the most public feast, for the most
public death, in order that when He is Raised from the Dead the joyous truth of
His saving mission for us will be believed by as many as were witnesses to His
death. On that first Palm Sunday, five days before Passover, Christ no longer
stopped the crowd from proclaiming His authority. He no longer slipped away
quietly to avoid being discovered by the elites. He was prepared to begin the
final countdown to His Glorious Passion. Today the Church looks joyously ahead
at the result of Pascha, but understands there are still a few last minute
details to work through before Christ is lifted upon the Cross.
Just as it can be exciting to be a witness of the launch of
the rocket into outer space from distance, it is even more rewarding to be a
part of the launch team and be present first hand for the event. Holy Week is
your chance to be present first hand with Christ and His launch team (the
Church) to witness the final launch of His plan to save us from death. I hope
you’re ready. T-6 DAYS.
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