What Holy Week isn't...
The Serenity Prayer
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. - Anonymous
Holy Week 2020 will go down in history as different, unusually, not the norm - so what will it be? As I watch my Facebook feed, I see many posts, live feeds and videos of churches reaching out to their congregations keeping connections and relationships alive. So, what is the church - it's not a building? What is Holy Week - it's not a collection of church services?
Sometimes, it's easier to start with what something isn't than what something is...
It isn't a foot washing service, cedar feast, or Easter Celebration with candy filled eggs or a bunny. It isn't Easter Breakfast Casserole, coloring pages or the singing of songs. It isn't family pictures or spring flowers. It isn't family traditions or a church’s traditions. So, what are you left with when you take away what is your normal Holy Week?
Many people find great comfort in their traditions and routines. We get up, we brush our teeth, eat, go to school, go to work. There is great comfort in knowing what to expect - that is what makes it normal, regular, routine. There can be great fear in the unexpected and unknown.
So, hold onto what you do know:
Palm Sunday is a reminder of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
Maundy Thursday is a reminder of Jesus’ example of servant leadership, the first Holy Communion and his commandment to “love one another.”
Good Friday is a reminder of Jesus’ crucifixion and death. It is the moment when Jesus sacrificed himself for you and for me for the forgiveness of our sins and said "Father forgive them..."
Easter is a reminder that Jesus rose from physical death. Death is not the end. It is the beginning of life everlasting for all believers of Jesus’ sacrifice. It is a reminder to share the story of Jesus Christ, even while social distancing.
Take this Holy Week as a reminder of what Jesus Christ has done for you in your life and why we celebrate Holy Week. Let your soul rest in peace knowing that Christ has died for the forgiveness of your sins, that Christ has risen and will rise again for the glory of the kingdom of God.