IMPHAL, March 24: Palm Sunday was celebrated today at the Manipur Baptist Church.
Speaking to IFP, a member of MBC said Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. “The gospels record the arrival of Jesus riding into the city on a donkey, while the crowds spread their cloaks and palm branches were placed in his path, before his arrest on Holy Thursday and his crucifixion on Good Friday on the street and shouted “Hosanna to the Son of David” and “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” to honor him as their long-awaited Messiah and King. It thus marks the beginning of Holy Week, the final week of Lent, and the week in which Christians celebrate the mystery of their salvation through Christ`s death and his Resurrection on Easter Sunday.”
It may be mentioned that Palm Sunday is an important day for Christians after Christmas and Easter. Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter and marks the beginning of the Holy Week, the week of events leading up to Jesus` death. The celebration of Palm Sunday originated in the Jerusalem Church.
“The significance of Jesus riding a donkey and having his way paved with palm branches is a fulfilment of a prophecy spoken by the prophet Zechariah. In biblical times, the regional custom called for kings and nobles arriving in procession to ride on the back of a donkey. The donkey was a symbol of peace, those who rode upon them proclaimed peaceful intentions. The laying of palm branches indicated that the king or dignitary was arriving in victory or triumph.
These Palm Sunday depict scenes and images of “Palm Sunday”, the MBC member said.
