Weekly Reflection - 3/26/2024
St. Mary's Reflection: The Rev. David Erickson
The Journey of Holy Week
The journey of Holy Week unfolds as a sacred passage through time, a narrative deeply rooted in faith, a path marked by profound sorrow and radiant joy, encapsulated in the rhythms of life, death, and resurrection. It is a pilgrimage of the soul, a testament to the depth of divine love, and a mirror reflecting the complexities of human existence.
We begin on Palm Sunday, with palms waving and crowds cheering, "Hosanna!" They herald the arrival of Jesus into Jerusalem, not as a conquering hero, but as the Prince of Peace, riding humbly on a donkey. This day juxtaposes the hope of salvation with the fickleness of human loyalty, a poignant reminder of our own moments of fleeting faithfulness amid the trials of life.
Holy Monday and Tuesday invite reflection and introspection, as Jesus teaches in parables and confronts the hypocrisy of the powerful. In these days, we find the call to authentic living, to bear fruit in keeping with repentance, and to embody the justice and love that Jesus preached. They challenge us to look beyond the surface, to seek the deeper truths of our hearts and the world around us.
Holy Wednesday, sometimes called Spy Wednesday, marks the shadow of betrayal, as Judas conspires to hand Jesus over for thirty pieces of silver. This day lays bare the tragedy of betrayal from within, the pain of trust broken, and the sobering reminder of the cost of greed and ambition. It is a moment to confront the darkness within us, the potential for betrayal in our own choices and relationships.
Maundy Thursday brings us to the intimacy of the Last Supper, where Jesus, in an act of profound love and humility, washes the feet of his disciples and shares the bread and cup, instituting the Eucharist. Here, we are invited into the mystery of divine love made tangible, a call to service and sacrifice, to love one another as Jesus has loved us.
Good Friday immerses us in the depths of despair and the agony of the cross. It is a day of mourning, of reflecting on the weight of sin and the cost of redemption. In the crucifixion, we witness the extent of God's love, a love that embraces suffering and death to bring forth life. This paradox lies at the heart of the Christian faith: that in the darkest moments, love shines brightest.
Holy Saturday holds us in a silent vigil, a space between death and life, despair and hope. It is a time of waiting and trusting, of believing in what we cannot yet see. This day invites us to dwell in the mystery of the tomb, in the promise of new life that gestates in the darkness.
Holy Saturday evening; The Great Vigil of Easter. As the suns sets, we retell the stories of God’s salvation throughout scripture, baptize people into the Body of Christ, and proclaim, triumphantly the glorious resurrection of Christ.
Easter Sunday dawns, radiant with the glory of the Resurrection. The stone is rolled away, the tomb is empty, and life triumphs over death. Easter proclaims the victory of love, the renewal of hope, and the promise of eternal life. It is a celebration that transcends time, a reminder that in every ending, there is a new beginning, in every darkness, light, and in every death, resurrection.
The journey of Holy Week is a microcosm of the spiritual journey, a path marked by highs and lows, joy and sorrow, life and death. It invites us to walk with Jesus, to embody his love and sacrifice, and to participate in the ongoing story of redemption. In this sacred pilgrimage, we are transformed, made new by the power of the Resurrection, called to carry the light of Easter into the world.
We hope you will join us at St. Mary’s as we too, follow the path of the cross and enter into the fullness of Christ’s resurrection this week.
The Rev. David Erickson
