Not sure whether it's entirely good, but as I pastor I have a "built-in" heightening of tension and anxiousness as we get closer and closer to the cross of Calvary, it's called Holy Week and it tends to be an extremely busy time for clergy.  I sometimes forget that not everyone is as tightly tied to the church and the traditions of Holy Week, leading up to the joy of the Easter resurrection, as are "clergy types."  Guess that's not all bad or we would all be "stressed out" at once!  But would also like to purpose that those who do not "get caught up in" the events of the coming Holy Week really miss out on some pretty profound stuff. 

 

On Sunday we'll celebrate Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem where people "sing His praises" and cheer His arrival.  They are seeking and gladly welcome the arrival of their King.  Yet,  by the end of the week their tune changes and those who shouted "Hosanna!" will be screaming "Crucify."  

 

What in the world??  Why such an incredible turn about??  Why such intense hatred??  I hope you will take the time to attend worship throughout Holy Week; there are several opportunities:  Thursday at 7:00 where we will learn of Jesus' incredible love "on the night in which He was betrayed."  And on Friday there is ecumenical worship at Holwell at 10:00am and a tenebrae (a service of darkness) at Metigoshe at 7:00pm.  These services center on Jesus' unbelievable love as He gives up His life for our sakes.  One almost has to be present to experience the utter hopelessness of being totally abandoned by God.  What a sick, empty feeling we are left with for that most somber of Saturdays, as Jesus (God incarnate) lies cold and dead within a tomb.

I am often amazed at the fun usually held on Holy Saturday, as that is the day most often reserved for Easter egg hunts and "premature celebrations."  If it was always with the understanding that we are "an Easter people" and take heart and joy in "the rest of the story" maybe it wouldn't be so bad.  But I honestly believe that most people participate in the festivities without realization of what was taking place that first Holy Week. 

 

How much more joyful is that sunrise "Alleluia" and proclamation that "He is Risen!"  if one has truly walked with our Lord through the events of Holy Week and felt the deep sadness and total abandonment that He endured that we might not have to suffer so. 

 

This year, won't you join us as we journey that you might share with your pastor the anxiousness of Holy Week and the inexpressible joy of the resurrection.

 

Peace,

 

Pastor Carol