Some reflections, especially for those who were not able to be part of any or all of Holy Week at FAITH, and even for those who were.
As Jesus entered Jerusalem, to the shouts of hosanna, the Bible says “He wept.” At first glance you wonder what’s up with that. I mean, this had to be an amazing parade! The people shouting praise! The disciples finally felt like they were on the winning team. Jesus wept!
It’s obvious He knew the shouts of hosanna would turn to “crucify Him” by week’s end. The disciples “devotion” on Palm Sunday would melt into desertion by Friday. Jesus knew the self-centered agenda that motivated the crowd and the disciples. That’s why He came. He knew they didn’t get it. He knew they wouldn’t listen to what they didn’t want to hear. Jesus wept.
By Thursday, gathering the disciples together to celebrate Passover, Jesus does some really remarkable things. It’s not like He forgot the reason for weeping the previous Sunday. The crowd was going to do their thing the next day. So too the disciples. What’s amazing is Jesus demonstrated the ultimate in humility and service when He washed the disciples’ feet. Not coming to “be served” but “to serve” and give His life as a ransom for many, He takes the bread and wine from the Passover meal and gives the church the gift of the sacrament.
Perhaps one of the most lacking elements in our world, in our culture and in the church is “communion.” Yes, even in the church, a lack of communion. Defined as “coming together” a “feeling of emotional or spiritual closeness” a “relationship, especially one in which something is communicated or shared.”
From the Maundy Thursday sermon: “This special night is a reminder to the church to come together, to have a greater unity by experiencing communion. It is a night to focus on what unites us rather than what divides. That is exactly why this meal is so important. It calls us to confess our broken relationships with one another, as well as the broken dreams and shattered hopes deep inside each of our own lives. As we eat from the one loaf and drink from the one cup, we are redeemed by remembering we can never experience any brokenness that Christ has not already known. Only gathering around this table, with our eyes fixed on Christ, will we ever be able to hold hands and see clearly for the first time eye to eye. When this happens we will have communion.”
As the scene shifts to Friday, a day called “Good,” you witness the way forward – FORGIVENESS! To get to real “communion” somewhere, somehow, we need to learn how to break the cycle of hurt and revenge. We need to learn to forgive. From the Good Friday message, “Forgiveness is serious business. Forgiveness is essential to our mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health. How do we forgive? How do we let go of our hurts and resentments? I know only one way: WE ACKNOWLEDGE THAT WE OURSELVES HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN. Somehow when we acknowledge our own sinfulness and receive God’s grace, we find it easier to forgive those who have wronged us. Christ’s death on the cross has released us from the burden of our sins. Why don’t you let it release you from the burden of your grievances as well?”
Which brings us to the climax.
Early, on the morning of the third day after the crucifixion, Mary stood outside the tomb, crying! Crying at the tomb! We’ve all been there. From the sunrise message, “If in your heart for any reason you are weeping by a tomb this day . . . not just the tomb of a family member or a good friend. Maybe it’s the tomb of a lifelong dream . . . the tomb of disappointment or despair . . . the tomb of heartbreak or rejection . . . the tomb of fear and frustration . . . if you’re crying beside any tomb this day . . . hear the good news for the day. Jesus is calling your name. / He’s here with reassurance. / The Gospel is true. / Jesus is alive, and because he is alive, you can live, too! Mary heard the Master speak her name and through her tears she knew. He is alive!”
It is amazing what can happen when we get connected in relationship with Jesus. Jesus has given his life that we may have life – and have it abundantly! Each morning look in a mirror, smile, throw your shoulders back and cite this ancient promise of Scripture, “This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!” For He is Risen! He is Risen indeed!
I will always remember Holy Week 2012 at FAITH: from Palm Sunday – to Maundy Thursday “Communion” around the table – to the commemoration of Jesus’ death on Good Friday, (quite possible the best GF service in memory) – to the Sunrise Service at Jenness Beach – to the Town Hall celebration – arguably the pinnacle service of my 29 year career!
As I flew back to Washington Sunday afternoon (a reminder of the continued uncertainty of the future), with the songs still ringing in my ear and the emotion of the week still strong in my heart, I am ever thankful for the privilege and honor it is to be a “called and ordained servant” of the church of the very much alive Jesus Christ.
Pastor Steve.
