The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1913-03-13
A PALM SUNDAY REFLECTION.

Next SUNDAY IN many cuuFcueo VI .AAo
Christian world palms will be distributed
in commemcration of the triumphant entry
of our Lord into Jerusalem, when boughs
and branches from the trees were strewn
before Him, and the multitude spread their
garments in His path. On this day so
many centuries ago men wed with eacn
other to do Him honor and little children
shouted their pRans of praise. 1t Is easy
to conjure up the scene enacted in those
far distant days; great painters have
worked their impressions on enduring can
vases, and wonderful word pictures OF
the event have been written into sacred
records We see the restless crowds fill
ing the streets and by-paths that lead to
the city's gates; matured men and women
eager to honor Him through whom their
salvation is to be secured; young men
and maidens whose hearts respond to the
influences of the hour, and children OF
tender years waiting and watching Tor
glimpse OF their Master. At last their
patience is rewarded by the sight of a meek
and humble figure seated upon an ass
which slowly wends its way along the
thoroughfares. Breaking great branches
from the nearest trees to lay in His way
the eager populace crowd about the figure
or AJIflSl, nutQUlo OVOl1 III LILO VAAOuHAA'
majestic in His humility, and shout those
greetings which have sounded down the
wears to the present day: "Hosanna to
the Son of David! Blessed is he that
cometh in the name of the Lord
1t would seem that one Of the most pow
erful lessons to be drawn from this signal
event in the life of Christ is that of humil-
ity Of course His entire existence breathed
~ vphioh
be appreciated by our mortal intelligence.
Never once did He cease to personify even
for brief space of time the gentler, hum
bier virtues, and it is, perhaps, through
the contemplation of those very virtues
that we have learned to know Him best
The event of Palm Sunday, however, il
Illustrates in a particularly appealing way
the sincere humility of the Man, and puts
portance. He was satisfied to make His
triumphal way into Jerusalem seated upon
an ass; indeed, it is recorded that.as he
neared Jerusalem He sent two disciples to
small nearby village to fetch an ass and
colt which they would find there tied, and
He told them that if any one should protest
Lord hath need of them" and they would
nave uO LUZ GtOuOlOs NOLy oAuPAO WI
His preparations and it would appear thai
what little thought He gave to them was
prompted largely by the desire to fill as
small place as possible in the event which
was to be remembered until the end of time.
Of all modes of conveyance He chose the
humblest and was content to efface Himself
as much as possible.
Contrasted with present-day methods of
hnnnripo tho ontrv into
Jerusalem would scarcely be called a tri-
umph. In these days of strenuous endeavo:
and spectacular achievement the manner
of paying tribute must be no less strenuous
and no less spectacular. Instead of riding
astride some lowly beast of burden ''the
great man of to-day travels in sumptu-
Gus magnificance over roads patrolled for
miles, and instead of coming almost un-
noticed to his destination his approach is
heralded far and wide for days in advance.
Where one triumphal entry of long ago
was marked by simplicity which has al
most become lost art, the visits of the
great men of these days are made, as a
rule, the opportunities for over-display and
elaborate demonstrations.
To be humble even in moments of tri-
umph is but one of the lessons we can learn
from the event which will be commence
rated next Sunday. There are many more
which we could apply with equal advantage
to our individual needs, but it seems some
how that in this vain glorious life of ours.
and perhaps just at this time when wealth
and worldly recognition seem to play such
important parts in all our endeavors, the
need for greater humility in all conditions
of our service here below seems peculiarly
urgent The shadow of the cross on
Calvary is becoming deeper as we near its
centre; the sorrows of the last few days
of Christ's life on earth seem more real
as we approach their anniversary: and the
tragedy which saved mankind grows in
significance as we ponder over its climax
No proud or boastful word ever passed the
lips of the gentle Victim, and save for the
Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, when
His soul was sorrowful even unto death,
He maintained calm and humble de-
meanor to the end. Is not such an exam
pie worthy of emulation 80 far as our weak
natures will permit? The last days of Lent
affords especial opportunity for reflection
and pious meditation. Not to every one,
possibly not even to those who care most
about it, is given the faculty of thoroughly
assimiating the lessons of the week, but
surely to each and all who care to look for
it will be vouchsafed the wonderful grace
of humility, the grace which the Saviour
loved so well and which glorified His life
among men.
s. 1t is better to be sometimes imposed
upon than never to trust,' says an un-
known writer. "Safety is purchased at
too dear rate when, in order to secure it,
we are obliged to be always clad in armor