| “Then Jesus went into the temple and threw out all those who were selling and buying there.”Matthew 21:12a Dear Friends: The roller coaster begins. Jesus, enters into Jerusalem, where he is destined to suffer mightily, and die upon the cross before he is risen from the stone, cold tomb. Down and up. But, first we celebrate with a parade. Jesus’ entrance is a time of rejoicing! Our one true king is before us. God’s kingdom is being made known! Give thanks! Cry out “hosanna, blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”. Save us, Lord God, holy one! Up and down. Upon his entrance, Jesus enters into the temple and disrupts things. Authorities are fit to be tied. Jesus just keeps moving through the week. There’s no stopping the roller coaster ride to God’s saving grace. Don’t miss Holy Week. The trek through Holy Week, with Jesus cleansing the temple on Monday, encouraging faithfulness in the midst of turmoil on Tuesday, Judas’ betrayal on Wednesday, Jesus displaying servanthood while washing the disciples feet on Thursday, his horrific journey to the cross on Friday and, the sealing and guarding of Jesus in the tomb on Saturday leave us all on the precipice of a roller coaster ride as we await the glorious ride of Easter. Christ risen from the dead! Don’t miss Holy Week. Sunday we will begin 10:00 a.m. worship with a parade. We’ll hear the story of Jesus’ journey to his crucifixion. We’ll depart from worship in solemn silence. On Monday of Holy Week, we remember Jesus stirring up the city, miraculously healing the blind and the lame while all the while the chief priests and the elders question his authority. On Monday of Holy Week put yourself into the tension with Jesus and settle into a day of personal prayer. Log onto www.ssje.org/2015/02/26/praying-monday-in-holy-week/ and follow along with The Society of St. John the Evangelist. Brother Jim Woodrum has the following to say about Jesus’ trek: “Even Jesus in his humanity experienced great anxiety and discomfort at the knowledge of what he would have to undertake in order to fulfill the will of his Father. Perhaps we can take some comfort in that. Jesus is aware that the pathway of healing leading to wholeness is often very difficult and painful before we find relief.” As we engage in a personal day of prayer, consider Dan Benedict’s prayer from the Order of Saint Luke… “God whose word cannot be broken: with Jerusalem we are stunned this Holy Week. Like a city overcome with sudden devastation, we are swept up in the confusion and desolation, wondering what is happening. Liturgy, Scripture, and song immerse us in the river that flows to betrayal and the cross. The gospel we have tried to make manageable has overturned our tables of control. The sufferings of Jesus that we try to avoid engulf us. The fruitless fig tree withers before the majesty of one whose mission is relentless and uncompromised. Help us with all of your church to watch and pray, to behold anew the unfolding scandal and the ragged good news of salvation. Behold with mercy the agonies of the world where the suffering of Jesus is being completed, both then and now. Let the Via Dolorosa for us be both acts of devotion and worship and of compassion and justice, so that Christ’s abundant sufferings become the world’s abundant consolations.” Amen. Ruminate on Vanderbilt’s Holy Week prayers, beginning with Monday’s offering: “Almighty God, your name is glorified, even in the anguish of your Son’s death. Grant us the courage to receive your anointed servant who embodies a wisdom and love that is foolishness to the world. Empower us in so that all the world may recognize in the scandal of the cross the mystery of reconciliation. Amen.”https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/prayers.php?id=125 Maybe you’re on spring break. Or you’ll be at your desk. Or in the car. Wherever you may be on Monday, take time for a personal day of prayer with God in Christ. It may be you awake earlier for quiet time and to ponder the assigned readings for Monday in Holy Week: Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 36:5-11, Hebrews 9:11-15, John 12:1-11. What word or passage speaks to you and why? What is God in Christ calling you to do with these holy words? John’s gospel recollects for us Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. What does Jesus need to raise up for each of us that may be preventing us from walking along with Christ, especially in the difficulties of life? Find peace in your day through a personal day of prayer. On Tuesday of Holy Week remember to serve. Bring food for the Food Pantry or Food4Thought. Come to the Food Pantry any time on Tuesday, across the street with Community of Faith, and help folks “shop” for groceries. On Wednesday of Holy Week, share in The Lord’s Supper at 7:00 a.m. on the way to work. We’ll be done by 7:35 a.m. Thursday, bring your kids. We’re washing feet, sharing in The Lord’s Supper, the last time before Easter, and witnessing the stripping of the altar. If you’re having to pick or choose your Holy Week practices, Maundy Thursday at 7:00 p.m. will move you to the deepest intimacy with Jesus. Good Friday, called good because Jesus does go to the cross, only to be resurrected that we may be made anew. Good Friday prayers at 7:00 a.m., Noon and with sacred music at 7:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. brief prayers ready us for the Easter Egg hunt and family Resurrection Garden activities as well as stations. Easter Sunday worship with great glory at 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. Children will reign in Easter as they flower the cross and return the “alleluias” to our worship. Joyous music accompanies to fill our hearts, and minds and souls. Jesus is risen! Holy Week is a journey worth traveling. Do the best you can. See you, perhaps on Saturday morning for Parish Work Day. We’re getting our gardens ready for spring. Palm Sunday, we’ll read the story of Jesus’ Holy Week. Let Richard Durkin know you’d like to serve as one of the readers: macdurk@gmail.com I look forward to walking these days with you and our Lord. Many blessings, Hillary |
