Here we are in Holy Week. This is the week that began with Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, and will end with him in the grave. We call it holy because of what was done for us. Jesus came into Jerusalem with the cheering of the people, and was sentenced to death with the jeers of the people.
A lot can happen in a week.
During this week; Jesus was acclaimed as the Messiah, he cleansed the temple of those attempting to pervert its use, he humbled himself to wash his disciples’ feet, he celebrated Passover and instituted a new feast with bread and wine, he was betrayed, arrested, beaten, mocked, scorned, sentenced, executed and buried.
A lot can happen in a week.
We call this week holy because Jesus willingly endured all of this, including his death, to show us how to really live. Every act was to show us a greater love than we can even fathom.
This week is marked in many different ways. Sometimes its reenacted in the form of a Passion Play. Sometimes we mark Maundy Thursday with the act of foot washing, followed by sharing Holy Communion together. On Friday we oftentimes remember it as Good Friday, commemorating Jesus’ crucifixion. For us the week ends with Holy Saturday and Jesus in the grave.
Its quite a week. What should we make of this, what should we do with it?
I would like to suggest a different way of making this week holy. Certainly we should observe this week with much prayer, listening for what God wants to tell us. Maybe we mark this week with a devotion to serving others. There are so many who lack so much. The homeless, the sick, the lonely, the poverty-stricken, the dying, all of these are children of God. What could be more holy than giving of ourselves in some way to serve others?
Holy Week might take on a different place in our lives if we were to sacrifice time, talent and treasure to make the lives of others brighter. Jesus died to show us a new way to live. That new way is extending ourselves in service. Placing others’ needs ahead of our own. Being a force of love, compassion, mercy, and forgiveness in our community. Lives can be changed in a moment’s time.
Holiness isn’t about the trappings of our worship services, our recreation of events, our beautiful music and words. Holiness is found in how we live. Holiness is the sacred acts of love we exhibit.
Holy Week for me would mean I gave something precious to someone else. It would mean I brought a light into the life of someone who had been in darkness. It would mean a life was touched with tenderness and love. It would mean someone who had been hungry was fed. It would mean someone lacking health care had been tended to. It would mean someone who was fearful had someone to stand beside them.
A lot can happen in a week. A life can be dramatically changed…our life.
I pray for each of us that this Holy Week is memorable because of lives that will be changed by our words and deeds. Even though Friday looms before us, Sunday’s coming. A new week, and a lot can happen not only in a week, but in one day!
Your companion on the Way,
Pastor Tom