HOLY WEEK WITH JESUS
While wandering on this lovely
Spring day, it feels like its perfection
could last forever and a day.
I reflect upon shouting
Hosannas and waving palm branches
until our arms grow tired.
Already we wandered into the
emotional highs and lows
of Holy Week and Christ’s Passion.
Reflecting now upon the mandate
of Jesus to serve others as he
humbly washed dusty feet of friends.
Christ’s presence is palpable while
sitting at the Table with Jesus
receiving transforming Bread and Wine.
With Jesus, we go to the Garden
of Gethsemane to pray before
falling to the temptation of sleep.
He prays alone on the last night of
his earthly life before his trial
and sentence for being who he was.
Uniting with Christ’s suffering,
we wish to turn away from the pain
but this time we will not.
Eventually, the dark and stormy
night will transform in the brightness
of Christ arising from death!
Christ is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!!
Luke 24: 1-24: The Empty Tomb
24 Very early in the morning on the first day of the week, the women went to the tomb, bringing the fragrant spices they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in, they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 They didn’t know what to make of this. Suddenly, two men were standing beside them in gleaming bright clothing. 5 The women were frightened and bowed their faces toward the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He isn’t here but has been raised. Remember what he told you while he was still in Galilee,7 that the Human One[a] must be handed over to sinners, be crucified, and on the third day rise again.” 8 Then they remembered his words. 9 When they returned from the tomb, they reported all these things to the eleven and all the others. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles. 11 Their words struck the apostles as nonsense, and they didn’t believe the women. 12 But Peter ran to the tomb. When he bent over to look inside, he saw only the linen cloth. Then he returned home, wondering what had happened.
UNITING WITH JESUS
The liturgy of Holy Week takes us through the emotions of human experience. When we enter into the emotions, our hearts are prepared to unite with Christ Jesus.
Jesus never backed away from lifting the oppressed, from eating meals with all of God’s beloved people (including sinners like us), or from telling the truth that God had for him to share. Especially when the “mighty” tried to bring others down, he revealed the word of God through actions and word.
Throughout the earthly life of Jesus, the healing breath of God restores the people to new life even when it seems impossible. He is the ultimate example that whether we live or whether we die, we are safe in the Lord. (Romans 14:8).
We are restored when we celebrate life, serve one another, trust, pray, and live out the resurrection of Jesus Christ!
Holy Week blessings and Happy Easter to you all!
Marta
Rev. Marta Wheeler
To view or download a PDF version of this devotional, click here: Devotional MW 2022-04-13