Lent
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Thursday, March 20th, 2008The Three Days of Easter: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday
The Season of Lent ends as we begin our celebration of the Maundy Thursday Holy Eucharist at 7:30 p.m.
During the days of Lent we have tried to observe a Holy Lent–by self-examination, penitence, prayer, fasting, alms-giving and by reading and meditating on the word of God. (BAS page 282).
And now the liturgical life of our church and our individual observations are focussed on the events of Maundy Thursday through Easter Sunday. This sacred time is often called The Three Days of Easter.
It is the time that the historical event of the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth through whom we have been redeemed is most fully celebrated in the Church.
These days are the culmination of the entire Church year. The worship flows together into one worship experience–a time to spend with God– a time like no other. Through what we do in worship beginning on Thursday evening we express our identity as Christians who worship in the Anglican spiritual tradition.
Maundy Thursday 7:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist concluding with the removal of the ornaments and cloths–The Institution of the Lord’s Supper–Jesus’ new commandment “that you love one another as I have loved you”–Jesus goes to Gethsame.
Good Friday—10:00 a.m. The Crucifixion of Jesus
At the end of the service, the wooden cross will be taken to St. Francis’ for use in the Good Friday Walk (12:00 noon) that concludes back at St. John’s.
From the conclusion of the Good Friday service until the Holy Communion at 5:00 on Saturday, we observe Holy Saturday.
Holy Saturday: It seems good that there is a gap between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. There is usually a time lag in our own lives between the source of suffering and our gradual return to new life. In the Apostle’s Creed, we profess our belief that Jesus “descended to the dead” to proclaim the good news to those who had gone before (1Peter 3:19) No-one was, or is, or ever will be out of the reach of the saving power of the cross. Jesus was, and is, and always will be the Saviour of the world, whose healing reconciling love is accessible to all, across time and space. There is an icon that depicts Christ breaking the doors of hell, grasping the wrists of Adam and Eve and lifting them victoriously toward heaven. Adam and Eve do nothing to help. Their salvation, like ours, is a gift from God in the person of Jesus. All we need do is accept the gift and let it touch our hearts and shape the way we live our lives.
Saturday 5:00 p.m.–Holy Communion
Easter Sunday–8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist
Holy Week - Wednesday
Wednesday, March 19th, 2008Wednesday of Holy Week
Scripture Passage: Isaiah 50:4-9(a)
Scripture Verse: ” The Lord God has given me a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them. Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear; and I have not rebelled, have not turned back” Isaiah 50:4-5
Reflection: On December 1, 1955 an African-American woman named Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery Alabama. That simple, non-violent protest was a key step in the battle against racial segregation in the United States of America. Mrs. Parks suffered for her decision, but her protest was successful. Her arrest triggered a boycott of the Montgomery bus system–and ultimately, eventually the end of segregation. When she died in 2005, thousands of people turned out to honour the courage of this woman.
In today’s reading, commonly known as one of the ‘Suffering Servant’ songs, we see another person reflecting on his experience of speaking out. This person speaks effectively and encouragingly as a disciple who has learned his lessons well. He suffers because of his words and yet he perseveres.
Everyday, someone, somewhere in the world, is standing up to prejudice, racism or other injustices. Sometimes they suffer for their convictions, sometimes losing friends, sometimes feeling ostracised. Yet somehow they have the strength to persevere. And sometimes they are heard.
Jesus also called on people to hear the good news of God’s Kingdom of justice and peace. And he suffered and died for his convictions. But through the Resurrection, the effect of his courageous actions began to change our world beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. Many people did not listen, and many still do not listen, but for those who do and who allow Jesus to affect their lives, there is a new life.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, bless all who continue Christ’s work here on earth, challenging injustice and teaching the Good News. Give us the wisdom to know when you are calling us to act, the courage to respond and the words to speak. Open our ears when others try to make us hear. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen
Holy Week - Tuesday
Tuesday, March 18th, 2008Tuesday of Holy Week
Scripture Passage: John 13: 21-33, 36-38
Scripture Verse: “Jesus answered, ‘It is the one to whom I hand this piece of bread after I have dipped it in the dish. So he dipped the piece of bread and took it and handed it to Judas, son of Simon Iscariot.” John 13:26
Reflection: Sadly, few–if any–of us go through life without feeling betrayed by someone at some point or another. Knowing how painful it is to be betrayed allows us to perhaps imagine how painful it must have been for Jesus. Judas was one of his followers, a companion on the journey, somebody who had listened to his teachings, witnessed Jesus’ healing forgiving love in action. And yet, in John’s Gospel, Jesus knew that Judas would be the one to betray him.
The piece of bread that Jesus takes and gives to Judas reminds us of the Eucharist. Even at this moment of pain, faced with somebody who will surely betray him, Jesus– earlier described by John as “the Living Bread” (John 6)–shares bread with Judas. What an example of self-giving love. What a challenge to us to be as generous with those who have hurt us.
We encounter people who try our patience, annoy us, perhaps some who seek to betray us. When we are in situations where we must interact regularly with such people, how do we respond? If can be difficult to be polite and respectful toward a person we do not trust.
Such situations suggest the need for both prayer and caution. When interacting with such individuals, we may be tempted to respond with hostility. Jesus models for us a better approach–a demonstration of the respect that is part of our baptismal promises to seek the Christ in all persons–to respect the dignity of every human being.
Prayer: God of mercy and love, your Son Jesus gives us the ultimate example of love, even in the face of betrayal. Forgive the times that I have betrayed others or that I have not treated others with respect. Give me the grace to be able to model Christ’s love to all whom I encounter this day. Amen
Holy Week - Monday
Monday, March 17th, 2008Holy Week
We begin the holiest week of the Church’s year. It is during the days of Holy Week that the climactic events of human salvation, namely the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus will once again be made present in the way the Church remembers those events.
Monday of Holy Week
Scripture Passage: John 12: 1-11
Scripture Verse: “You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” John 12:8
Reflection: There is an old saying that goes something like this: “Come work for the church. The hours are long but the retirement benefits are out of this world.”
This concept includes all people who follow Jesus. Christians are usually busy people. We see people are poor or in need in our community and we try to help in some way. We hear that people are suffering overseas, so we pray and support the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund. We minister within our own congregations, teaching children, preparing the worship space, visiting shut-ins and those who are in hospital or nursing homes, helping out with church repairs–and, for all members of the church, and of the utmost importance these days–welcoming newcomers and visitors graciously and politely.
We may eventually feel worn out–none of us has the time and energy for everything.
Whether our involvement is big or small, our energy will indeed be depleted unless we are fuelled by a deep love of God. Being a Christian is not just about keeping busy, as valuable as all these ministries may be. Being Christian is first and foremost responding to the love of Christ by loving Christ. We sing “Jesus loves me this I know.” We need to remember and believe in that love. We need, as well, to affirm our love for Jesus in return. We do this by continuing to try to put Jesus at the centre of our church and of our lives.
In today’s gospel, Mary lavishly pours expensive oil over Jesus’ feet, giving him her absolute undivided love and attention. She anoints his feet with costly perfumed oil and risks ridicule by using her hair to dry Jesus’ feet. In those days, only prostitutes let their hair flow freely; respectable women kept it tied up. But hers is an act of love. Jesus defends her actions and does not dismiss them as excessive in any way.
When we take the time to be nourished by that experience of love through heartfelt prayer, we will be able to go forth with great energy and enthusiasm to do all that God intends.
Prayer: God of love you draw us into relationship with you through your Son Jesus. Grant us the grace to love and adore him without hesitation. May we follow the example of Mary of Bethany and give Christ our undivided love and attention. Amen
Fifth Week of Lent - Friday
Friday, March 14th, 2008Friday March 14
Ezekiel 37:21-28; John 11:45-57
Scripture Verse: Jesus would die for the nation–and not for this nation only, but gather into one all the dispersed children of God. John 11:51-52
Reflection: As little children most of us had a place that we called “home”, a place we could go and feel part of a family. As adults we usually commit ourselves to creating new homes, new places of belonging, love and caring.
Both readings today speak about making a home. In Ezekiel, God speaks about making a home among the Israelite people: “My dwelling shall be with them; I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (37:27). The message of Jesus is also evident: he will bring home all the dispersed children of God. Christ’s resurrection has a universal effect, uniting all of humanity in a renewed creation. As Jesus says:” When I am lifted up, I will draw everyone to myself” John 12:32.
Our Anglican spiritual tradition is part of the “catholic” church, (meaning embracing the whole) because in our tradition believers of all races and cultures can find a common home, a place of kinship and communion. This “home” is a small indication–a foretaste–of what will take place at the end of time when the whole of humanity will be reunited in Christ.
Since we share the same home, the same history, and a common destiny, we are called by Jesus to oppose injustice and inequality. We are to combat any ideology that does not respect the dignity of people and the sacredness of human life both within the church and also in the community in which God places Jesus’ church.
Prayer: Loving God, you wait patiently for your people to return home to you. Help us remember that the salvation of your world depends only on you. Help us to live as if it depends only on us. Help us to walk in the way of your Son Jesus–our Saviour, Lord and Friend. Amen