Holy week has traditionally seen a number of special services and unique observances as the church community prepares for the celebration of Easter. It is a tradition that goes back to the 4th Century when pilgrims would gather in Jerusalem to re-enact some of the events marking the last days of Jesus before the crucifixion and Easter.
We will look at the readings set aside to be used through this special week. I invite you to read each short passage and think about how this related to the journey that Jesus undertook.
Monday of Holy week 6th April.
Read. Isaiah 42:1-9; With the events of Easter in our minds as we read these verses from Isaiah we see many encouraging themes on which to dwell. The Lord God has placed his Spirit on this special servant. The Servant uses God’s power rather than his own strength with which to achieve God’s purpose: This purpose is to bring true justice into every situation. All of the man made justice systems though often well designed and well intentioned, have been open to exploitation. It is still the rich and powerful, those who know people in high office and those who have influence who most often get a favourable outcome from the justice system. To have true justice as a universal given in every situation for every individual, offers a real blessing. Through his Servant, God will deliver justice to all his chosen people in a hands-on way, that is to say not from a great distance but personally, “by the hand”.
Within the setting of Holy Week perhaps the promise of a “new thing”, a new beginning is especially satisfying. A new sense of justice and a personal closeness with God begins to emerge: a closeness won through the path that Jesus obediently followed, a path that will lead him inevitably to the cross. The events of Easter bring into being the promise of a new beginning for everyone.
Just take a moment to think what a new beginning in your life might look like and recognise what that possibility might achieve for you.
Prayer: O Lord as we think again of the events of Easter and remember all that Jesus achieved, we thank you for the promise of a new beginning, a new start with an eye on the future, free from the shadows of the past. Grant to us the joy of that close companionship with you as you take us, by the hand, and lead us with joyful expectation into something fresh and new. May the reality of your love brighten each day as we approach the festival of the Lord’s great victory. Amen
Read. Psalm 36:5-10; These six verses are like a great hymn extolling the goodness of the Lord God. God’s love and faithfulness permeates to all parts of the creation. All the inhabitants of that creation find themselves surrounded by God’s love and faithfulness. In an ever changing world this God can be trusted, “With you is the fountain of life and in your light we see light”. What a comfort these words are as we face still more weeks living in isolation and yet hearing daily of the suffering and death of folk within our communities. As we move towards the Easter festival we remember that the build up was a time of great testing and tension for our Lord; yet through all the suffering God gave the victory. Constantly reminding ourselves that the end result is in God’s hands and God is faithful and loving should bring us a time of quiet confidence; indeed the passage ends with a prayerful sense of confident joy, “O continue your steadfast love to those who know you, and your salvation to the upright of heart!”
Prayer. O faithful God, your love reaches every part of your creation and your joyful presence enriches every part of life. In your company life becomes a joy filled experience that brings both peace and harmony. Enlighten again those dark places which cause us to fearfully turn away and strengthen our heart to face with confidence the day ahead. May our minds be centred on Jesus and the obedient courage that he showed as he walked towards the cross. And let no distraction take away the victory that is ours through his sacrifice, a sacrifice we celebrate during this week. To him be all glory and power now and always Amen
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