Palm Sunday: ‘Jesus came as a messenger of peace’

Christians wonder why the day is not celebrated with Muslims throughout the country.

LAHORE:

“If Jesus’s triumph was entering Jerusalem in humility, we Pakistanis, both Muslim and Christian, should reflect on what our triumph should look like,” said Nora Muntazir on Sunday. Muntazir is a member of St Mary’s Church in Gulberg. Celebrating Palm Sunday, she is of the view that the day is a celebration of peace and humility.

Speaking with The Express Tribune, Bishop Sebastian Shaw said, “On this day we celebrate the gesture of humility and peace which Jesus Christ brought with him as he entered Jerusalem.”

With processions emerging from all the churches across the city, the Christian community observed Palm Sunday with fervor.

Bishop Shaw said that Palm Sunday held great significance from a historic as well as from a religious point of view.

“On Palm Sunday, Jesus Christ entered as a messenger of peace not as a warrior.”

Leading prayers and services at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bishop Shaw urged the Christian community to remember the message of love and compassion preached by Christ.

Entering the church holding Palm leaves, over 2,000 people participated in the services held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral.

Bishop Shaw said palm leaves were used by the people of Jerusalem to welcome Christ into the city. “That is the reason the day has been dubbed Palm Sunday.” The Palm Sunday marks the start of the Holy Week, the time during which Christ preached his message to the people of Jerusalem before being arrested by the Romans. This coming Thursday, Holy Thursday, will mark the last supper.

“Palm Sundays’ processions are a great way to instill kindness and love,” said Yasmeen Wilson, a teacher at St Mary’s School.

Wilson wondered why despite Christians and Muslims both holding Christ in great reverence, Palm Sunday was not celebrated jointly.

Participants in the services The Express Tribune talked to said they were satisfied with the security arrangements. Bishop Shaw said that last year security concerns had resulted in less people joining the processions and services. “We had our own volunteers, but the security provided by the government also helped,” Bishop Shaw added.

Concluding the service, Bishop Shaw urged the gathering to work towards creating religious harmony in the society. “We are all Pakistanis and should strive for the progress of the country irrespective of our religious beliefs.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 2^nd, 2012.