Roy’s Ramblings

So this coming week is Holy Week … or as Clergy sometimes call it – Spiritual/Theological Whiplash week. Let me explain:

We start the week off on Palm Sunday – Triumphal entry into Jerusalem – singing and shouting Hallelujahs!!! Praise Jesus!!! Waving palm fronds with smiles and laughter. Knowing that Jesus is going to free all of us from the tyranny of the Roman Empire.

Monday is traditionally thought of as the day Jesus cleared the Temple of money changers and calls it a house of Prayer. Wild passion and a whip made of cords. Then … we calm down to focus on prayer time – prayers for others, for ministry, for family/friends/neighbors/self. Contemplative and serine.

Tuesday we see Jesus teaching in the temple. Answering questions, debating with the religious leaders and telling stories. Reading the Holy Scrolls of the Old Testament and of the prophecy of what is to come. We are gathered quietly at his feet … soaking it all in with amazement at the authority at which he speaks.

Wednesday is called Spy Wednesday. The Day Judas met with the Chief Priests … the day the “Plan” is set and put into motion. Money changes hands – plots are formed – alliances are made. If this were a movie … the soundtrack would change at this point and become spooky/sinister/and in a minor key.

Thursday we see Jesus with the Disciples in the upper room. They call him Master – he washes their feet as a servant. They have the Passover meal – Jesus changes the script and initiates the Eucharist. Jesus goes to the Garden to pray – the “Plan” is set in motion with Judas greeting Jesus with a kiss. A fight … an arrest … confusion … fear … betrayal…

Friday we see a mock trial with false witnesses. A conviction … a beating … the crucifixion. For a week that started as a party we are now far from it. Mocking … Weeping … Bleeding … Dying …

Saturday … what do we do with Saturday? Jesus lays in the tomb; is he truly dead? Is it over? Is it really finished as he said? Fear and Confusion for everyone – on all sides. The disciples are afraid they will be next. The Chief Priests are afraid of Jesus’ words of resurrection coming true. The Romans are afraid of uprisings and rebellion. Yes, Yes, What to do with Saturday?

Easter Sunday!!!! Resurrection !!! Glorious Hallelujahs!!! The tomb is empty and the women report that they have seen Jesus alive and well !! All fear gone – all doubt gone (except for Thomas) – Celebration all around!!! Except … Except??? What could there possibly be an except about? Is turns out that is isn’t finished. In fact it has just begun. The after Easter work is now upon all of us.

We are now charged with telling the story; doing the work; making a difference; building the Kingdom. We are the Disciples and it is up to all of us to Disciple the next generation and the next and the next. It is on us to invite the stranger and welcome them; it is up to us to feed and clothe, and visit, and heal, and … all the rest. Post Easter never ends and it is our calling to keep on keeping on … til eternity.

So – yup – this is a wild week – ups and downs and everything in-between. So I encourage you to turn your eyes upon Jesus and just hold on tight – for you see … Sunday is a Comin’ and what a glorious time it will be!!

Love and Prayers for Us All – Pastor Roy