FROM THE PASTOR

“Hearing the Whole Story”

 F. Richard Garland, a retired United Methodist Pastor writes in an article entitled “Beyond the Cross to Easter” these words.

“There are times when I would just like to skip the cross and get on to Easter. 

Standing as it does between a lovely Palm Sunday procession and an Easter

celebration, it casts a long, dark shadow across the landscape of faith, one that

cannot be ignored.  But it is such an inconvenient symbol.”

 I think this describes the way many Christians feel about Holy Week.  We like the pomp and energy of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.  We love the hope that is associated with the people’s expectation of a new and powerful ruler who will restore them to prominence.  We also love the hope and the promise of Easter.  The joy of new beginnings and the energy that comes in the story of the resurrection gives us a sense of God’s power and majesty.

 Holy Week brings its own energy as well and it is not all negative.  As we read through the Biblical account of that most holy of weeks, we can feel Jesus’ passion as he tries one last time to instruct those willing to listen.  We can feel his very human struggle and the intensity of his commitment.  In the Garden of Gethsemane we can hear again the very human emotions that are reflected in Jesus’ prayer.  They remind us that “one cannot remain true to one’s identity and purpose and power without sacrifice.”  (Garland, “Beyond the Cross to Easter”)

 To truly engage in the story that is Holy Week allows us to appreciate more deeply the Easter promise.  More than that, it allows us to see perhaps for the first time the depth of faithfulness.

Evelyn Underhill has written: “No soul of any sensitiveness can live through Holy Week without an awed and grateful sense of being incorporated into a mystery of self-giving love which yet remains far beyond our span.”   If we let them before we ever reach the Easter story, the events of Holy Week can transform our lives.  

 It is difficult amid the busyness of our lives to find the quiet time and place we need for such reflection.  Our Good Friday Prayer Vigil is a perfect environment.  Time spent on this significant day sitting before the cross allows us to reflect on the varied meanings associated with this symbol of our faith.  I encourage you to make the effort to set aside time to come to the Church for prayer and reflection.   Doing so with an open and receptive spirit will allow you to see the cross, not as an inconvenient symbol, but rather a symbol of healing and hope, that calls us to faithfulness.

 Peace,        

Eric