The Drama of Holy Week

The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church describes Holy Week as a liturgical drama enacting the last scenes of the life of Christ.  The main cast of this drama includes Jesus, Pontius Pilate, Peter, Judas, and Mary Magdalene.  Like any play, all of these characters are necessary for the plot to thicken.  Whether we vilify, crucify, or celebrate these characters, all of them are needed to tell of God’s salvation story.  Our opinions of the characters may change as the story goes on and just when we think we have figured it all out, the narrative takes a new twist.

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.