The celebration of Christ's entry...
Illustration
The celebration of Christ's entry into Jerusalem has been reenacted for centuries, and, like the Stations of the Cross, spread throughout the world as successive generations of worshipers reenact the demonstration.
The fourth century pilgrim Egeria in Egeria's Travels tells of witnessing such an event beginning in Bethany. The procession moves slowly because it includes women carrying babies, and the elderly. They proceeded over the Mount of Olives from the Eleona Cave where a service was held, then into the Kidron Valley, and up into the Holy City to the site of the Lord's Tomb.
The spontaneous welcome and honor is reflected in the Eucharistic liturgy, as the invitation to communion and the reception of the Lord in the Eucharistic Presence.
The fourth century pilgrim Egeria in Egeria's Travels tells of witnessing such an event beginning in Bethany. The procession moves slowly because it includes women carrying babies, and the elderly. They proceeded over the Mount of Olives from the Eleona Cave where a service was held, then into the Kidron Valley, and up into the Holy City to the site of the Lord's Tomb.
The spontaneous welcome and honor is reflected in the Eucharistic liturgy, as the invitation to communion and the reception of the Lord in the Eucharistic Presence.
