While Tim and I were in Ohio last weekend, we passed by a little corner church several times during our stay. On their sign it said, "The journey of Lent leads to the cross." Something about that statement just didn't feel quite right to me, and I started thinking about how our Lenten journey BEGAN with a cross on our foreheads as a reminder of our humanity and frailty and need for Jesus, the one who heals us and makes us whole. And yes, this evening when Lent is over and we enter into the three day liturgical season we call the Triduum, we will again visit the powerful symbol of the cross tomorrow on Good Friday.
The cross demonstrates how far Jesus was willing to go to save us and live out what true, sacrificial love looks like. But the cross wasn't Jesus' final destination and it isn't ours either. We aren't "Good Friday People". We are "Easter People!!" For us, the journey of Lent doesn't lead TO the cross, but rather leads THROUGH the cross because without the cross there is no empty tomb, no resurrection, no eternal life. This is why Good Friday is "good," because it is holy, and despite the pain, torture, injustice, and suffering of the cross, sin and death don't win! Love has the final word... ALWAYS.
TWO HOLY WEEK VIDEOS FOR YOU
Give this one a watch if you have 3 minutes:
BUT...
If you have 10 minutes check out this video that Josefina Sebaly sent to me this morning:
At the Pajk house we are big fans of Holy Thursday: the potluck supper with our family of faith, the washing of the feet, the institution of the Eucharist!! Hands down it's our favorite liturgy of the year, but then comes Good Friday. Tim and I always end up in a conversation about how Good Friday never really feels very good as we relive the betrayal and denial that lead to the crucifixion of Jesus and reflect on how we often times betray and deny Jesus with our words and actions. How can that possibly be GOOD???
But, since we are talking about journeying THROUGH the cross in this Flocknote, it seems appropriate to spend a little bit of time there before we get to Easter.
If you struggle with Good Friday sometimes, I invite you to listen to this song by Francesca Batistelli and think about the Good Friday cross as a place where we can bring our brokenness and our failings and God makes us a whole again.
Think about what is holding you back from experiencing the joy of Easter this year; an argument, a misunderstanding, guilt, shame, fear... and when you venerate the cross on Good Friday with a touch, a bow, a kiss, leave your hurts there at the foot of the cross for Jesus to redeem.
"So bring your brokenness and I'll bring mine
'Cause love can heal what hurt divides
And mercy's waiting on the other side..."
But we have to journey through the cross...
TWO INVITATIONS
THE CHOSEN
At each of the 8 Wednesday evening sessions, we will watch an episode from season 3 of the crowd-funded series, and enter into simple conversations about the lives of the people who encountered Jesus and how the encounter changed them. We will also take time to reflect on how the story relates to our own faith stories.
The first gathering is on April 12 from 7:00 to 8:30 at the Parish Center.
FAITH BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED
Anne Boyd is back with another opportunity for us to tap into our creativity and faith:
On April 17, from 1:00-3:00, each participant will create an inspirational box decorated with paper and die-cut words and shapes. Please register by April 14. All supplies provided but a free-will offering at the event helps to offset the cost of the boxes.
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I hope to see everyone at the Potluck Supper this evening at 5:30. My Lenten Small Faith group is hosting and will be greeting you at the doors and assisting you with your dishes to share. I'm looking forward to entering into this beautiful season of foot washing, sacrificial love, and new life with all of you.
With Holy Week Anticipation and Hope,
lyn