Until We Can See Clearly
The steps of the journey of Holy Week are filled with mystery, intrigue, espionage, betrayal, confusion, conflict, despair, frustration, hope and much, much more. Although there are daily readings for Holy Week that are outlined in the lectionary, most congregations typically hold worship services on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter. The events of the Last Supper are revisited on Maundy Thursday and the crucifixion is recalled on Good Friday. Following the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, we trace the steps and the unforgettable events along the pathway to Golgotha.
As a part of retracing the roads that Jesus traveled, the places he was summoned and the places he appeared, we learn more about the lessons that Jesus taught through his actions and his words. Among the most poignant demonstrations of humility was the scene of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. Foot washing as an act of submissive service seems to be decreasing in frequency over recent years and it doesn’t seem that many congregations are requesting that opportunities for foot washing are included in Maundy Thursday. Congregants feel most comfortable participating in the Eucharist in which the disciples engage with Jesus during a solemn meal.
There are layers of symbolism expressed when Jesus informed the disciples that one of them would betray him and that one of them was not clean even after having been washed by Jesus. This indicates that the assumed unity of the disciples and the popularity of Jesus were short-lived and not fully understood. Throughout the days of Lent, our examination of our walks with Jesus have probably revealed the aspects of our faith that reflect the things we don’t fully understand. We’ve also learned about the limits of our commitment to Christ. Like Peter, there are times when we “act as if we don’t know him.”
In each worship service over the next few days, we pray that you will experience the love, compassion and sacrifice of Christ as we move toward the celebration of the resurrection. As we have reflected on the dimensions of love that help us form the beloved community, may you discover the courage to share God’s love with others. During the holiest of weeks, we recall and learn of God’s love for each of us. As Paul notes, when we put the things of childhood behind us, we are able to see more clearly beyond the dim, blurred and reflected images to see face to face. We will also be able to better understand the mysteries and know fully.
In Christ,
Jon McCoy
