Walking Together

“Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.” From Hebrews 12:1-3. Appointed for Wednesday in Holy Week

This past Sunday we gathered in Travis Park waving palms while a donkey and bagpipes processed with us into the nave before we recounted the Passion of Christ. Our joyful calls of, “Hosanna!” turned angry as we played the part of the assembly calling for the crucifixion of Jesus. The Passiontide Lessons and Carols service was a beautiful meditative moment before entering the space of these holy days. I often say that it was the holy week liturgies that fully converted me to become Episcopalian. For years I sang in my parish choir. The more deeply we sang and worshipped together, the more my faith became a tangible resource I could draw from. 

There is no aspect of human life that is not represented in these days—betrayal and loyalty, ambiguity and certainty, joy and sorrow, and faith and despair. We witness healthy community life as well as the pain of isolation. All of this moves us to toward the joy of Easter morning when we gather proclaiming our hope in that which was thought to be impossible. New life! Resurrection!  

This Wednesday in Holy Week, we are called to remember the great cloud of witnesses with whom we walk, sing, pray, and work alongside of in our faith journey. These powerful liturgies of the Triduum – that is Maundy Thursday through Easter Day – are meant to be a walk we take with one another and all those who have gone before. The words are timeless, and the rhythms are grounding. The reminder of those who came before us sets our own struggles in the context of the fullness of human history. It helps us make the turn toward real hope and joy.

Come and gather this week and be reminded of the great promise we have in the resurrection; it is the source of our joy and our hope. I am grateful for so many who make these services possible. The faithful witness of our staff and so many volunteers – from the choir to the altar guild, from the ushers to the greeters, from the lectors to our Eucharistic Ministers and acolytes (to just name a few).

Make time to worship and gather. I promise if you enter fully into these days, your Alleluias on Easter Day will be even more filled with the promise of new life. 

Peace, Beth +