John 19:25b
Stop.
As you breathe in, say “I will listen”. As you breathe out, say “God is here”. Repeat as many times as you need.
Listen.
Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. – John 19:25b
Reflect.
This is Holy Week. From Palm Sunday to Easter, the Christian church sees intense emotions playing out through the profound events of the last days of Jesus’ life. From his celebrated entry into Jerusalem to the conspiring against him, from a meal with his disciples to his arrest after nightfall, from his sham trial to his disciples’ denial, and from his unjust conviction to his humiliating death, it feels like the events of this week just keep getting more painful. Easter Sunday is the holiest of Christian holidays, but to get there, we walk through enormous hurt.
It can be tempting to skip past all the hard stuff. It’s very easy to go from shouting hosanna on Palm Sunday to he is risen on Easter Sunday and never have to shout crucify him in the middle. We can easily fool ourselves into thinking that Christian life is about an upbeat message, feeling good about ourselves, and accepting good vibes only. But that’s not the reality of Holy Week. This week, we have to face the lies, pain, and anger that so often define the human experience. It’s right there in the gospel story.
But this week isn’t about pushing on a bruise, causing more pain, wallowing in guilt. It’s a reminder. You don’t get to Easter Sunday without every step that came first. The promise of new life in Christ means nothing if you don’t name what Jesus faced to get there. We must name our sins to rejoice in our forgiveness. We must recognize the power of death to celebrate the victory of life. We must admit that we chase after happiness and success as if they are our gods in order to proclaim Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, as the full promise of the one true God.
So don’t look away. Come to worship on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Read the whole passion account in any gospel – or even in all of them. Take time to hear the whole story. Let it reveal the truth about life, death, and our Savior to your heart.
Pray.
God, this week truly is holy. Make these days full of your Spirit’s revelation. Help me to truly hear the fullness of what you did for me in your Son. Bring me to his cross, and please, bring me also to his empty tomb. Amen.
Carry On.
How will you remind yourself that it’s Holy Week? Is there something you can do for each of the remaining days this week to keep you centered in the story? Could you read a portion of the Biblical story every day, add some prayer time each morning, or take on a daily service project?