In the last few weeks in worship, we have heard the powerful stories of Jesus’ transfiguration, followed by his trials in the wilderness as Satan tempted him, a life-changing encounter for a Samaritan woman who finds Jesus thirsty at a well, and a man blind from birth having a very spirited conversation with some stuffy church leaders who refuse to believe Jesus is the Son of God after Jesus gave the man the gift to see (of course those who thought they could see were really the blind and those who believe are no longer blind). While these Bible stories are often associated with our current liturgical season of Lent, I enjoy them anytime and every time they are read. They, like so many other biblical stories give me hope and inspire me beyond myself.
As I previously mentioned, it is Lent, and with this season of self-reflection, we join Jesus and his followers on the journey to Jerusalem, where we will experience the uproar and seeming triumph of a king’s arrival, followed by doubt, betrayal, and crucifixion. But of course, Resurrection Sunday restores our hope and life in Christ. But remember, Jesus’ Resurrection invites us to be changed people.
It is important that we celebrate Jesus’ victory over death. We will have stirring and powerful worship experiences on Easter Sunday. We will speak to new life and fresh beginnings. The white and bright colors of the lilies, Easter paraments, and fresh flowers will dazzle our senses and add to the feeling of abundant life. We need to sense that we are a part of Easter. We will make plans with our families. We will buy Easter clothes, get haircuts and hairdos, baskets for the egg hunt, and reservations for lunch or dinner. We will be excited!
But will we sincerely prepare? I am talking about spiritual preparation. Will we prepare our hearts, our minds, our very lives for an Easter experience? Or will we simply attend? Will we expect more than we pray in preparation? Will we want more than we are willing to offer? Will we open the innermost parts of our soul so that the light of Christ can illuminate the darkness or will the stone remain over our hearts and thereby cutting us off from the great love Jesus has for us?
One of the powerful opportunities we have, especially as a church steeped in tradition, is to have several intentional days of preparation and reflection before we reach Easter. While many simply skip what is called the Passion of Jesus (the stories of Jesus’ betrayal, trial, and execution), we offer the opportunity to followers to become acutely aware of some of what Jesus undertook for us to show his great love for us.
Not only will we wave palm branches on Palm Sunday and shout and sing “hosannas” as the crowds did in Jerusalem some 2,000 years ago, but will offer the community our traditional noon-time Holy Week services and meal. On Thursday evening of Holy Week, our Maundy Thursday service (which is being held in Asbury Hall at the MAC) will recognize Jesus’ last supper with the disciples as he revealed to them a new covenant with God. On Friday, the Chancel Choir will share with the congregation its Tenebrae Service (service of darkness) in the Sanctuary. As you experience these opportunities, Easter may move you beyond the usual or even the expected. Free yourself to experience the freedom Christ offers. Participate in the experiences so that Jesus’ victory over sin and death is also your victory!
See you in worship,
Brian
