Let Love Express Itself - Fr. Gregory - April 9, 2023

Today is Palm Sunday in the Orthodox Church. The Gospel comes to us from John 12:1-18. Father Gregory shares a message of hope that love finds expression in action and conquers death. The Gospel takes place in Bethany and Jerusalem. In Bethany, Jesus shares a meal with Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, resurrected from death. This meal foreshadows the general resurrection from death, where we will enjoy a banquet in God's Kingdom. Mary expresses her love for Jesus by anointing His feet with a costly ointment in preparation for His burial. Her love demands gratitude with expression from her heart. In Jerusalem, a great crowd gathers to honor Jesus as King of Israel. Sadly this crowd only expressed loved for Jesus based on what they thought Jesus could do for them. Our hearts should supersede logic as we express love for Jesus. Love defeats death.