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Explanation for:
Matthew
21
:
8
And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way: and others cut boughs from the trees, and strewed them in the way:
14
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Let us follow suit; let us exalt Him and offer garments to those who bear Him. What then shall we be deemed worthy of? Upon Christ's arrival in Jerusalem, some draped their garments over the donkey He rode while others placed them beneath its hooves. Should we, who are instructed not only to shed our own garments but to expend them for the sake of others, withhold our generosity as we see Him in His state of humiliation? The multitude surrounded Him, yet why do we reject Him or inflict offense when He approaches us? What retribution does such behavior deserve? When our Lord, in need, seeks our attention, we turn away, condemning Him instead as we hear His plea. If we are miserly even with a few coins or crumbs of food, what shall befall us should we be confronted with a total demand? Observe how vain men generously bestow upon lascivious women in theaters, yet we scarcely offer a fraction of that to the needy. When the enemy pressures you to give, you comply out of fear of Gehenna; yet when Christ urges you to assist the poor, promising you a kingdom in return, you not only refuse but also turn away insultingly. Would you rather heed the devil’s calls for torment than yield to Christ for your salvation? What could be more irrational? One offers Gehenna while the other offers a kingdom, yet you forsake the one in pursuit of the other. When Christ reaches out to you, you send Him away while inviting the devil to come closer. It is as if a king, offering luxurious gifts, cannot persuade us to ally with him, while a robber, brandishing a weapon and threatening death, is given audience.\\n\\nDear friends, let us take heed and awaken our spirits. I confess I hesitate to discuss charitable giving, as I find myself repeating these exhortations without perceiving the desired fruits of my words. It is true I see some improvement, but not as much as I had hoped. I notice your sowing, yet it lacks the generosity we should embody; therefore, I fear you may reap sparingly. Let us consider the proportions of wealth in our city: are the poor or the rich more numerous, and how many exist in between their extremes? I suspect a fraction of the wealthy and a fraction of the destitute occupy our streets, while most dwell in moderate circumstances. If you divide the populace by the poor, the shame will become evident. The wealthy are few, yet those who are adequate are numerous, and the impoverished are vastly outnumbered. Many go hungry, not because the sufficient lack resources, but due to their cruelty and indifference. Were the wealthy to share their bread and clothes, the poor would indeed be scarce. Despite being abundantly able to aid, the cries of the poor resonate daily. Witness the inhumanity of the affluent reflected in how many widows and daughters the Church supports, with its resources comparable to their own.\\n\\nConsider too that the Church cares for three thousand individuals—prisoners, the sick, wanderers, those seeking sustenance, and others who come for assistance, and yet it never falls short. If merely ten individuals contributed equally, there would be no beggars left. You may argue about inheritance for your children—but know that your core assets remain intact, while the treasures laid up in heaven grow for them. If you hesitate to give entirely, consider parting with a fraction—be it half, a third, a fourth, a fifth, or even a tenth. Through the grace of God, our city could support the poor of numerous towns if only we would act, which is evidently feasible. Note how much one household spends on trivial matters, often without awareness. If every wealthy individual dedicated similar resources to the impoverished, how swiftly they would find joy in the heavens.\\n\\nThus, what justification remains for our inaction? What excuse can we offer when not distributing what shall perish along with us to those in need, while generously providing for hypocrites? Were we to dwell here forever, such generosity would hold no regret; yet faced with our eventual departure, naked and without possessions, what excuse will remain for withholding support from the hungry and afflicted? I will not compel you to relinquish your holdings; my desire is known, but I observe little willingness among you to share. Instead, I urge you to offer at least from your profits without reservation. You possess the means as if drawing from a spring, but share with the poor, fulfilling your role as a good steward of God's gifts. You might say, I pay taxes. Does this excuse your neglect of the needy? Why do you comply with a man claiming what is due, perhaps with force, yet respond coldly to a humble beggar's request? Who will deliver you from the torment that awaits? If your sole reason for tax compliance is fear of punishment here, note that far graver consequences loom in eternity—eternal fire, not prison or shackles.\\n\\nTherefore, let us first ensure our debts to the needy are met. This is not burdensome; the reward is grand, the benefits manifold. But if we remain indifferent, a far weightier punishment will be our lot—an eternal punishment beyond comprehension. Should you argue that your contributions support soldiers defending you, consider too the multitude of beggars. They engage in a spiritual battle on your behalf, imploring God with prayers that fend off demonic accusations and lessen the evil one’s grip on you. What tribute will you offer them, these fighters against the devil? The gentleness of Heaven’s King has not sent you tormentors, but desires your voluntary service. Even small gifts are welcomed, and should you delay due to poverty, He does not demand more than you can give. Yet let us beware of His patience; let us gather not wrath but salvation, not death but life. Here, you need not pay for offerings to reach heaven; the Lord Himself will carry your contributions there, ensuring their perfect investment.\\n\\nOn Earth, your gifts are final; in heaven, they multiply. Here, what is given is reclaimed, but there it is profit and increase. God Himself provides a receipt for your generosity, declaring, 'He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord' (Proverbs 19:17). He offers you a guarantee, despite being sovereign over all things—the very essence of the goods of this life. Why then do you hesitate and prolong your response when so much has already been bestowed upon you, with yet more to come? Reflect on the gifts you have received: He formed your body, breathed life into you, bestowed intellect, granted dominion over the physical realm, revealed Himself to you, gave His Son, instituted baptism, provided a sacred meal, and promised an unimaginable kingdom. With such generosity received and anticipated, I repeat—why do you cling to impermanent wealth? What grounds do you have for excuse? Do you believe to justify yourself by begetting children? Yet, seek to raise them in the same benevolence.\\n\\nShould your financial decisions yield gains, how much more valuable is it to give your children a divine inheritance instead of monetary riches? Such generosity is far superior, ensuring prosperity without the need for further loans. Thus, leave your children in debt to God. You choose not to divest your estate but rather to preserve it for them, hoping to maintain income. Why then, hesitate to leave them a legacy more profitable than all earthly possessions? Such a manuscript, a testament to faith, holds infinite value. How misguided and irrational! When you bestow this legacy upon your children, know that you too will reap its rewards. The spiritual abundance is great. Let us not be parsimonious, cruel to our own souls, but invest in this noble cause, ensuring we enjoy eternal blessings with the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom belongs glory, dominion, and honor, now and forevermore. Amen."},{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The crowd of people laid their cloaks on the ground as He passed. Here we can observe the individuality of each person’s actions. The apostles placed their garments upon the donkey, while the less notable members of the crowd laid theirs at the donkey's feet, ensuring that it would not tread on a stone, encounter sharp thorns, or stumble into a hole. Others took branches from nearby trees and laid them along the path. They gathered branches from fruitful trees lining the Mount of Olives to beautify the way and to create an even path, allowing Christ, the victor over darkness and sin, to enter the hearts of His faithful followers with greater comfort and ease."},{"author-name":"Anonymous Commentary (Opus Imperfectum)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The garments symbolize divine teaching and spiritual favor. Just as the disgrace of nakedness is concealed by clothing, so too the wickedness of our flesh is hidden through grace. By our very nature, we were children of wrath like everyone else (Eph. 2:3). Afterward, Adam recognized his sinfulness and used fig leaves to cover his nakedness (Gen. 3:7), representing the demands of a rigorous law. God foretold his judgment in withdrawing his favor from the people of Judah, as declared by the prophet Hosea: “I will take away my wool and my flax, wherewith her nakedness is covered” (Hos. 2:9). Consequently, they clothed themselves with commandments and mercies that they had received from Christ, sharing them with both Jews and Gentiles. For Christ could not abide in them unless his commandments resided within them."},{"author-name":"Ambrose of Milan","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88871ceef8c96e0998cd0_Ambrose%20of%20Milan.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"What was the significance of the broken branches? Certainly, they were merely obstacles to walking. My understanding would have remained limited if the compassionate Guardian of the Earth had not previously guided me: Already the axe lies at the root of the tree (Luke 3:9). Prior to the arrival of the Lord, it will sever the barren and empty splendor of the nations, which will be trampled underfoot by the faithful. In contrast, the nations transformed in spirit will flourish like vibrant shoots emerging from ancient stumps."},{"author-name":"Romanos Melodos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89774ed5fa62ff880bee5_Romanos%20Melodos.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":6,"exegesis-text":"Initially, they proclaim their praises with branches, but later, with their stakes, they hinder Him unjustly. Despite this, we steadfastly revere Christ, our God, as a gracious supporter through our faith, and we will chant, ‘Blessed is He who comes to summon Adam!’"},{"author-name":"Dorotheus of Gaza","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88b3935c8d589566f1079_Dorotheus%20of%20Gaza.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":7,"exegesis-text":"What is the significance of His reception with palm fronds and olive branches? When a warrior confronts an adversary and triumphs, his people greet him with palm fronds, which signify victory. In addition, when someone feels wronged and seeks aid from a defender, he approaches with olive branches, pleading for forgiveness and support, as olive branches represent mercy. Thus, we too welcome our Lord Christ with palm fronds, acknowledging Him as the victorious One who has vanquished our foe, and with olive branches, imploring His mercy, asking that, as He has triumphed for us, we may also achieve victory through Him. This allows us to stand before Him adorned with signs of victory—not only for the triumph He has secured on our behalf but also for the victories we attain through Him, bolstered by the intercession of all the Saints. To Him belongs all glory, honor, and worship forever. Amen."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"In a historical context, the act of laying down garments signifies profound respect, while the use of cut branches symbolizes victory. However, viewed sacramentally, the matter unfolds as follows: the Lord took His seat when the apostles presented their garments, which represent their virtues. If an individual’s soul does not bear the adornment of apostolic virtues, then the Lord will not dwell within it. The prophets who ministered prior to Christ's incarnation stand as His forerunners, while the martyrs and teachers who followed His coming accompany Him. They laid down their garments for Christ, meaning they surrendered the desires of the flesh to elevate the spirit, as the body acts as the garment or covering for the soul. By laying down their bodies along the path, they identify with Christ, who declares, “I am the way.” Those who fail to honor their flesh, that is, who do not bring it into subservience through adherence to His path, but instead choose to wander into heresy, will find that the Lord will not take His place upon them."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"As the crowd laid their garments along the path, they demonstrated their recognition of Him as more than just a prophet, bestowing upon Him immense respect. John notes that His miraculous act of raising Lazarus shortly beforehand had earned Him considerable admiration. In a similar spirit, let us forsake worldly embellishments for the sake of Christ, choosing instead to honor His journey by renouncing material wealth and worldly desires. Meanwhile, others gathered branches from the trees and placed them on the path; these branches were from the olive trees, as they were traversing the Mount of Olives at that moment."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"They laid their cloaks on the path, an act symbolizing great respect. Likewise, the practice of scattering branches and flowers was a customary way to honor triumphant victors entering the city. Flavius notes that this was the manner in which Alexander the Great and later King Agrippa were welcomed in Jerusalem."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"In the fervent spirit that swept through the crowd, each individual sought to surpass the others in their enthusiasm. Inspired by the actions of Christ’s disciples, many people laid their robes upon the animals instead of using adornments, while others removed their garments and laid them upon the path. Some cut branches from palm, olive, chestnut, and various trees along the way, waving them in the air and scattering them before Jesus Christ as He passed. The palm branches were a reminder of the Feast of Tabernacles, as well as of Psalm 117, which was often recited during this celebration, familiar even to young children. As the Savior approached Jerusalem, He appeared to embody the Stone that had been overlooked by the builders, dismissed by the Sanhedrin, yet, as foretold by David, destined to become the cornerstone and be wondrous in the eyes of all Judah. And here was the moment when His glory as Israel’s King would be unveiled: “This is the day which the Lord hath made: let us rejoice, and be glad in it!” (Psalms 117:24). Almost instinctively, the crowd recalled and spoke the subsequent lines from this prophetic psalm: “O Lord, save us! O Lord, hasten the fulfilment of your purpose! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! God is the Lord, and has appeared to us!” (Psalm 117:25-27). And lo, from all directions, the joyful echoes of this psalm's hosanna grew ever louder!"},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"As Jesus journeyed on a young colt, gradually ascending the hill, His followers—comprised not just of the apostles but also others who recognized Him as the awaited Messiah—laid their garments along His path. When the procession neared the descent and Jerusalem’s splendor became visible to the multitude accompanying Him, a remarkable burst of excitement erupted. The anticipation of the moment when their longed-for Redeemer would arrive in Zion as Israel's King prompted the throng, numbering in the thousands, to joyfully praise God for all the wonders performed by Jesus: “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord; peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:38)."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"News had already reached Jerusalem about Christ's plan to enter the sacred city. The crowds of Galilean worshippers, who had gathered nearby, eagerly ascended the mountain with a palpable sense of joy and satisfaction to welcome Him. They cut young branches from palm trees and other trees along the way to bestow Him with special honor. The disciples, filled with excitement, laid their garments over the donkey upon which their Master was riding, and the people began to spread branches along the path, in accordance with eastern tradition. This custom mirrored the way the Jews had once honored Mardochaeus by laying fig and palm branches in his path as he made his way from the royal palace, much like the Persian troops had celebrated for Xerxes as he crossed the Hellespont. Thus, the procession commenced. While three routes led from the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem, the Savior selected the most winding and prominent path—the southern route, regarded as the finest even to this day."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The path leading to Jerusalem descended from the steep terrain of the Mount of Olives. As news spread that Jesus was approaching the city, the crowds who had gathered for the festival emerged to greet Him. Their motives were not simply curiosity; rather, they possessed a fervent longing in their hearts to welcome the anticipated Messiah, the blessed heir of David, whom they believed would restore Israel's former glory. Those who preceded and accompanied the Lord, upon witnessing the humble King prophesied by Scripture, were filled with joy and passionately sought to demonstrate their utmost reverence. Some laid their garments across the road—a tribute typically reserved for kings on special occasions—while others cut branches from trees and scattered them along His path. This jubilant reception echoed the grandeur of one of Israel's significant feasts, commemorating the miraculous journey through the wilderness. The people sang verses from the psalm, traditionally recited during the Feast of Tabernacles, to articulate their sentiments, enriching the psalm's words with their heartfelt aspirations. Waving palm branches, a symbol of sacred joy mandated in the law, the vast crowd shouted, \\"Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, King of Israel! Hosanna in the highest!\\" This solemn cry of \\"hosanna,\\" meaning Savior, echoed around them. It felt to everyone that the long-awaited realization of the glorious Messianic kingdom was imminent; collective enthusiasm peaked, and amidst the joyous shouts of the multitude, the disciples added their voices, declaring, \\"Blessed is the coming King in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!\\" Although the heart-bearer recognized an undercurrent of unrealistic hopes in these enthusiastic acclamations, he chose not to stifle the people's joy, allowing them to express it freely as they awaited the unfolding of divine plans."},{"author-name":"Bogolepow D.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"As Christ embarked on His triumphant journey seated on a young donkey, the disciples laid their garments upon it, while the crowd spread their clothes and branches along the path. The Gospel of Luke highlights that the fervor of the people surged, and as Jesus neared the descent from the Mount of Olives, His followers jubilantly proclaimed Him as the King of Israel. In this moment, the city of Jerusalem, the heart of the realm of the King they revered, was revealed in all its majestic beauty to the onlookers. Additionally, the Gospel of John recounts that the throngs who had come to Jerusalem for the festival, upon hearing of Jesus' approach, took palm branches and went out to greet Him, proclaiming, “Hosanna,” among other praises."}]}
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