Poem: Hold the Whip and Be Polite – Recited in a sermon on the mountain

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III reflects on Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, where He was welcomed as a king. Yet, Christ did not come to reign on earthly thrones but to cleanse the temple of sin and reign over human hearts. The Pope draws a contrast between worldly glory and true divine holiness.

🌿 Christ and the Rejection of Earthly Glory:
As Jesus entered Jerusalem, people shouted, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord,” expecting an earthly king to restore David’s kingdom. But Christ declared that He came not to sit in the temple as a ruler, but to purify it from corruption. His kingdom is spiritual, seeking the salvation of souls, not political power.

🕯 Cleansing of the Temple:
Christ took a whip and drove out the merchants and traders, proclaiming that God’s house is a house of prayer, not a market. This act was not anger, but holy zeal for His Father’s glory — a divine call to restore holiness to His dwelling.

🌄 The Voice of the Angels:
Pope Shenouda describes a beautiful spiritual image: angels singing in Christ’s ear, saying, “Hold the whip and discipline Your people, O Holy One, for they have gone astray and forgotten Your love.” Divine correction here is shown as an act of mercy aimed at restoring purity and devotion.

💫 Cleansing the Heart Before the Altar:
The Pope teaches that God does not seek earthly kingdoms but pure hearts to dwell in. Christ came to cleanse the true temple — the human heart — from sin and passion, making it a dwelling for His Holy Spirit.

📖 Spiritual Message:
Christ does not wish to rule cities but souls. He calls us to purify the temple of our hearts, to remove all defilement, and to let Him reign within us. His kingdom is not of this world — it begins inside every heart that welcomes His holiness.