Published: April 03, 2009 01:57 pm      

Christians to observe Palm Sunday

BY RUTH RICE

RRICE@TRIBDEM.COM

No matter what their denomination, Christians are drawn together by a common faith as they celebrate Palm Sunday and Holy Week.

“Palm Sunday is one of the most momentous events in the Christian faith,” said the Rev. Ron Barto, pastor of Walnut Grove Church of the Brethren, 1068 Bedford St., Johnstown.

“I always say for this one glorious week, the differences of language and culture in the various faiths can be forgotten, and we can all unite for Holy Week.”

Barto said Holy Week is bracketed between two great events – Christ’s entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and his resurrection on Easter.

“Palm Sunday is a significant turning point for Christians because Jesus came into Jerusalem on a donkey and publicly let the world know he was king,” Barto said.

“The Romans thought he should be on a war horse surrounded by soldiers, but he was bringing a spiritual kingdom.”

Barto explained that in the Bible when something needed to be stated clearly, it was often accompanied by a visual portrayal of what the writer wanted to say.

When Jesus took the three-mile journey from Bethany to Jerusalem, the people were waving palm branches because it was a part of the Feast of Tabernacles, which was being celebrated at that time.

After Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, which is traditionally celebrated the Sunday before Easter, the rest of Holy Week is relatively uneventful until Maundy Thursday, when services commemorate the Last Supper and the institution of Communion.

A live performance of the Last Supper will be presented at 7 p.m. Thursday at Calvary United Methodist Church, 159 Chandler Ave. in the West End section of Johns-town.

Every year, the men at Calvary portray Christ and his disciples at their last meal together, then serve as ushers to the congregation as they receive Communion.

Barto said that his church and other churches in the area will emphasize the importance of Palm Sunday.

“For all the things that separate us, this draws us together,” Barto said.

“This is our center.”

Good Friday, the most somber day on the Christian calendar, marks the trial, crucifixion and death of Jesus.

It is called good not because of what was done to Jesus, but because of what he did for humanity in his death and resurrection.