As we journey through Holy Week, let us be aware of the pain as well as the hope and the grief as well as the anticipated joy. We are called to bear the grief and pain of our world even as we witness to the light of Christ to the world.
Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
With this joyful song, we began our journey through Holy Week. These days between “hosanna” and “alleluia” are challenging days. Jesus is betrayed and denied and handed over and crucified.
The violence of this week is hard to bear and yet we are called to bear the grief and pain of this week alongside Jesus who died for us and for all people. As you journey through these days of Holy Week, be aware of the pain as well as the hope, the grief as well as the anticipated joy.
We, God’s people, are called to live courageously and to gather together to give witness. We are called to bear the grief and pain of our world even as we witness toward the light and life of Christ. This is the deep theological meaning of this week. This is the invitation of God to all God’s people.
Make the journey through Holy Week thoughtfully, prayerfully, quietly. Feel in your heart the pain of Christ, the pain of your neighbors, the pain in our world. Be courageous to look at it and to listen to it, to know the heart of Jesus who died on the cross, so that abundant and eternal life would be open to all. Indeed Jesus says in the Gospel of John, “When I am lifted up, I will draw all to myself.” We will soon be Easter people, have experienced the journey of Holy Week. We will be lifted to new light and life with Christ as Christ is raised from the dead.
May Easter joy be yours after a faithful Holy Week.