Pastors Pen Reflection

 

 Dear <<Name>>
      This is Holy Week and the week is rich with symbols and liturgies! We began on Palm Sunday telling the story of Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey with people shouting Hosanna. But we soon learn the same people waving palm branches would later be raising their voices to crucify him. We are reminded how quickly situations can change.
 
In many faith traditions there is the remembrance of the Stations of the Cross, where focus is put on those places that impacted Jesus and the journey he took as he carried his physical cross to the place of his death.
 
The Hebrew word Pesach means "to pass over." During Passover Jews take part in a meal known as the Seder, which incorporates the retelling of the story of Exodus and God's deliverance from bondage in Egypt. The practice of a Seder Meal is celebrated during holy week where traditional food is eaten including bitter herbs, vinegar and boiled eggs. It is also a remembrance of Jesus Last Supper with his disciples.
 
There are communities that offer foot washing as a reflection of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. Still other communities may offer the anointing of oil to remember the right of passage. At the end of the week the altar is stripped of all content and covered with a black cloth as a symbol of Jesus’ death.

Here is a timeline web page that has some wonderful information about Holy Week: 
https://www.thoughtco.com/holy-week-timeline-700618
 
There are many ways to observe this very Holy Week; I do hope that one way will be thinking about how you can make space to renew your faith. I hope you will join us this Easter Sunday as we celebrate together the very purpose of our faith, The Risen Christ. 

Blessings
Rev Terri