“I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my supplications. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.”  Psalm 116:1-2

Dear Friends: 

There is nothing easy about Holy Week. We begin Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem in glorious celebration. On Monday Jesus is surrounded by the humble affection of Mary, Martha and Lazarus only to be reminded of the deception and secrets of Judas hovering in the background. Tuesday Jesus prophesies light in the darkness. Today Jesus gives up his body to be whipped and his face to be spit upon. Tomorrow, Maundy Thursday, Jesus, in the shadow of betrayal humbly washes the feet of his disciples, issuing the command to love one another. We are stripped away from Jesus as we witness the stripping of the altar and Jesus is carried off in arrest, persecuted and put to trial. We’re yet to learn what’s good about Good Friday as Jesus goes to the cross crying out his last words, “my God, my God, why have you left me?” These days, in our isolating fear, I imagine many of us do feel that God has left us. So, we cry out. God hears our supplication. In the darkness, there is light as Holy Week turns the corner to the healing hope of the Resurrection. 

The piercing pain of Holy Week this year seems increasingly too real as we number off the sick and dying, following orders and making adjustments in our lives to adhere to Coronavirus pandemic guidelines. In executive order #55 issued on April 1 Governor Northam now tells us that we are considerably restricted until at least June 10. We pray for God’s healing throughout as we make sacrifices of home, school, work, recreation and especially worship. In reality, following the joy of Easter, knowing full well that Jesus is risen, we may well feel the cloud of Holy Week is still hovering. So, my friends, I caution us all to take good care of ourselves. 

Let the hope of Easter fill us with the joy of freedom as our resurrected Christ lifts our burdens. Imagine the smiling face of Jesus behind every masked face. Enjoy the gift of life redeemed. Because of your kindness and generosity, a Coronavirus Relief Fund is already in the works assisting folks who are experiencing reduced work hours and unexpected bills. New schedules are coordinating time for online schoolwork. We’re better than ever at technology and screen time. Our zoom meetings are time savingly more efficient. The stores are re-stocking. The weather is getting warmer; the days are longer; the sky is more blue. More and more households are appreciating a nightly family dinner. We celebrate with glorious anticipation the several babies being born into the wider family of Epiphany. We pray prayers of thanksgiving to our Easter God in Christ who lives in us all through the darkness lighting up our lives with glory this Easter and for evermore. 

So, my friends, we call upon the Lord our God. He inclines his ear to us to hear our supplications. 

Finish out Holy Week with livestreaming tomorrow night at 7:00 pm Maundy Thursday, all day Good Friday prayers, 7:00 pm livestreaming worship, and Saturday prayers. On Sunday, pick a flower or two, keeping your distance, drive by the outside of the church and flower the cross. Livestream Easter worship at 10:00 a.m. with your Alleluias mounted throughout. Simply log into https://epiphanyec.org/live/ and click on the worship bulletin and live stream worship. Give thanks for our God who lives! 

During these many days when “church” has such a different appearance, we may have days when we feel helpless and wonder where God is in all the confusion and concern. Our giving is a practical sign of our belief in God’s healing wholeness; a sign of what we value. Thank you for being Epiphany, and growing deeper in the faith by giving generously to what matters: making God’s world known: https://onrealm.org/EpiphanyEpiscopal/-/give/now

As you move through this unprecedented time, remember that we’re in for the long haul. It’s easy to become lost in our angst and worry. Don’t go it alone. This is your church family. Read your e-message. Check out Epiphany’s website. Learn how to stay connected. Please, should you have thoughts, questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to me at clergy@epiphanyec.org; or 703-466-5200 ext. 102. May your Easter bring you unexpected joy! 

He is risen! The Lord is risen indeed!

Hillary