Holy Week has come.
Thursday will bring us to the upper room and the gathering of friends around the table with Jesus. Feet will be washed. Jesus will command us to love one another. Bread and wine will be offered.
In all the things we do as Christians, this holy week of worship, preparation, remembrance, ritual, grieving, and celebration brings us closest to the footsteps of our Savior. The week is filled with drama. The last week of the life of Jesus brings the promise of freedom; the promise of welcome; the promise of love; and the promise of life.
Palm Sunday shares the story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem to shouts of “hosanna,” which means “save us” and palm branches waving in celebration of the arrival of the king. Even riding on a humble donkey, Jesus still gathers the hungry, the hopeless, and the hurting to a parade of hope that he would deliver God’s people from their oppression.
Friday we will follow Jesus to the cross. We will hear cries of “crucify” and words of forgiveness from our Savior. Even on the cross Jesus will welcome one of the criminals crucified beside him a place in the Kingdom of God. Darkness will cover the earth. An earthquake will shake the world. Our Savior will be placed in a freshly carved tomb. For a time, it will feel as if the light of the world has gone out forever.
But Sunday.
Sunday comes and the sun rises and the women who venture to the tomb under cover of darkness find the stone rolled away. Angels will question the women, “why are you crying?” And when the disciples run to tell the others, Mary will linger in the garden only to be questioned by one she believes to be the gardener — until he calls her by name, “Mary.”
When Mary hears her name, the tears that fall in grief become tears that weep in joy. In the light of resurrection joy, Mary names her Savior “Rabonni” (teacher). I expect that when we meet Jesus at the gates of heaven, we will know exactly how Mary felt when she realized that the one speaking to her was her risen Lord and Savior.
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
People of God – Happy Easter!
See you in church.
Pastor Chris
