From the Pastor’s Desk…
Faith Chat:
As we journey through the month of March and the season of Lent, its apropos that the end of the month also culminates with Holy Week, the Three Days, and Easter. Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, March 24, and this year we will experience an interactive passion narrative by Pastor Walt Wangerin “The Cry of the Whole Congregation.” Yes, we will have palm branches and acknowledge Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and then we will continue by witnessing the movement from “Hosannna’s” to “Crucify him.” While in the Lutheran tradition we don’t have worship on Holy Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, they are sacred days that the early church and some traditions honored with worship, reflection and prayer. On Maundy Thursday (“Maundy” means “commandment”) we begin the Triduum, Latin for The Three Days of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil. These days are considered one worship service, and so note that there is not a dismissal at the Thursday or Friday services. Again, some traditions hold prayer vigils for these three days with people rotating in prayer 24 hours a day until the start of the Easter Vigil, which traditionally is after sundown. Good Friday (called “good” because the word “good” used to mean “holy”), has us bearing witness to Jesus’ torture and death at the hands of the Roman Empire. We acknowledge that Jesus died because the world cannot bear the truth. Easter Vigil used to be when baptismal candidates, or catechumens, would be baptized, and enter the covenant of the community. At this service we tell the story from the beginning of God’s promises to be with us and offer us wholeness, grace, and mercy. And while it is still dark, we proclaim that death has lost its sting Jesus cannot be kept in the grave, for God is too powerful and loving. On Easter morning, Sunday, we continue the celebration and recall the implications of an empty tomb, which is the last day of March, the 31.
The last and the first all rolled up into one. A powerful reminder of the good news that Jesus proclaimed in his ministry, death and resurrection. What looks like the end is merely a new thing that God is doing. May we look for new beginnings this Lenten season!
In Christ,
Pastor Brigette Weier
The last and the first all rolled up into one. A powerful reminder of the good news that Jesus proclaimed in his ministry, death and resurrection. What looks like the end is merely a new thing that God is doing. May we look for new beginnings this Lenten season!
In Christ,
Pastor Brigette Weier