The Jesus who is
greeted by resounding chants of “Hosanna in the Highest!” is quickly put down
by shouts that scream, “Crucify Him!”
Once noble Peter, the disciple who seems to set himself apart from the
others, changes his tune and denies Christ three times. There is Judas, the character we hope will
change his response of betrayal if we just watch the play one more time but
never does. There is also the
politician, Pontius Pilate. We are never
quite sure if we should grant him sympathy because he holds an office of such
intense scrutiny or if we should call him a snake because he figures out how to
wash his hands of any responsibility.
Then there is the incredibly complex character of Mary Magdalene. She sticks around to the bitter end and
beyond, never limited by the grief that accompanies living according to the
life of Christ, and is the first to witness to the joy of resurrection.
The drama moves
quickly and with purpose, from the crowded streets of Jerusalem and jubilant
expectation to a private room and a Last Supper, from the washing of feet and a
kiss that betrays to a trial that condemns only the righteous Christ Jesus,
from a crown of thorns and whip of cords to the hard wood of the cross. This is a drama where Christ hopes to invite
all to fall within the reach of his saving embrace.
Year after year the church invites us to
participate in the great drama of Holy Week.
When we participate in this drama, we are not called simply to remember.
The Holy Week liturgy, like all liturgies, reminds us that we too are notable
characters in God’s salvation story. We
are invited to ask important questions regarding our life of faith. How does Jesus speak to me when I doubt? When I betray? When I am indifferent? When I am in tears? What does this drama say about me? More importantly, what does this drama say
about Christ’s hopes for me?
I hope and pray that
you will find some answers to these questions.
Not simply answers that will make everything better overnight. Instead, answers that invite you to
experience the mystery of God. Answers
that point to God’s intense love for you no matter what character you find
yourself playing. At the foot of the cross
we see the love of Christ proclaimed. At
the cross we witness a love that doesn’t simply try to fix our problems or make
everything better with the snap of a finger.
Rather, a love that says I care about you so much that I am with you
when you doubt, when you cry, and even when you betray. A love
that says I will take all of these things that consume you and show you that
the final word is not grief, but joy.
Holy Week continues
this week (Holy Week Schedule at All Saints'). I know that is a lot of church and that
attending any one of these services will invite you to experience certain
elements of this drama. In order to
experience the fullness of the drama you are encouraged to participate in all the
services. I hope you will consider
joining us (or your local church) this Holy Week and find again or for the
first time the promise of God’s love for you on the cross.
