How will you enter Holy Week this year? We invite you to not only attend our services, but to make this entire week a time of retreat. That is, to enter into the rituals, prayers and especially the scripture of what happened to Jesus. The gospel reading is called the passion story. This year we heard Mark’s version. We hear of passion, not only of Jesus, but of so many of the characters of the time. I’d like you to reflect on the various characters so that you can deepen your faith journey.
Have you been like Judas, who has betrayed a friend? More interested in “what’s in it for yourself” rather than honoring a relationship?
Have you been like the disciples, falling asleep when a friend needed you?
Have you felt naked and exposed, and then run away from a conflict without explaining yourself?
Are you like Peter, who makes a good appearance, but lies when your image is threatened?
Have you acted like Barabbas, caught in a wrong-doing but now given a second chance?
Are you like Pilate, making pragmatic decrees and policies rather than seeking the troublesome truth?
Do you continue to act like the crowd, and test Jesus . . . otherwise you declare that you won’t believe?
Do you tend to not speak up when an innocent person is condemned, or a group of people is stereotyped or joked about? Are you aware of how often you are in denial?
Have you missed an opportunity to act courageously, too worried that it might get you into trouble?
Are you able to trust Christ’s forgiveness for what you continue to do?
Do you easily move into despair, and continue not to do something about it?
Are you hesitant to help someone carry their cross (their burdens) or can you do it willingly like Simon of Cyrene did?
When you think of Jesus dying, can you trust that he died, not only for all, but for you personally?
Have you felt crucified this past year . . . and are still hanging on the cross of resentment or revenge?
Have you been lost recently (because of a death or a break-up) and feel like you are numb and lifeless most of the time?
Are you prepared to trust that no matter how difficult your life seems right now, this is not the end? That your story, just like that of Jesus, does not end with suffering . . . there’s more to come.
This week is your week, to ponder, to let go and to trust that God has a resurrection planned for you.