Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday on March 24, when in the space of one service we turn from shouts of “Hosanna” to cries of “Crucify him!”
I invite you to begin making your Holy Week and Easter plans now. We are drawn to the liturgies of the church, developed thoughtfully over time, to help us receive the message of the cross – the message that although we live with the sorrow of death and loss, sometimes turning our backs on God, God meets us in the person of Jesus on the cross.
In between Palm Sunday and Good Friday, we observe a service called Tenebrae – it is a powerful meditation on Christ’s passion as witnessed by lengthening shadows. On Thursday, we recollect the words of Jesus at supper, “Do this in remembrance of me. This is my body, this is my blood of the New Covenant.”
We also take the humbling position of Jesus as he knelt and washed the feet of his disciples. Later, we strip the altar and chancel area of all embellishments and anything that reminds us of crafted beauty. In its place, we find empty drawers, black veils, simple wood …. and a crown of thorns.
Overnight, the Maundy Thursday Vigil provides space for quiet contemplation throughout the night hours – from roughly 8 pm to 6 am Friday morning. An echo of Stay with me, remain here with me, watch and pray, watch and pray finds a place deep in our souls.
On Good Friday we offer the prayers of the Church by recollecting Christ’s passion once again. Ancient music stirs our souls as we gaze on the crown of thorns.
Holy Saturday morning is the starkest of all services. Our simple presence reminds us that the disciples observed the Sabbath day in their homes but prepared to go the first day of the week to anoint his body with spices and ointments. This year, the Daughters of the King hosts a quiet morning on the theme of forgiveness with words of Jesus from the cross, “Father forgive” all are welcomed and encouraged to attend.
At the Great Vigil of Easter we gather in the darkness on Saturday evening. As we do, it is a darkness not of sorrow, but a darkness of waiting – waiting for the dawn. As we wait we hear our story re-told. First, from the ancient Hebrew scriptures – the First Covenant – we hear our story of deliverance. Then, Easter light is struck and suddenly darkness gives way to light, and we sing our song, Alleluia! Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed, Alleluia!
With new joy and new hope we welcome the happy morning of Christ vindicated, raised from among the dead!
Join your community this coming week; you will be strengthened, moved, and changed if you do. Holy Week is not to be missed!
Every Blessing in Christ,
Fr. Chris