Beloved in Christ,
Holy Week is upon us and this year, as with each of the past years, I urge you to come.
Why?
Isn’t Holy Week only for the super religious? Only for those who are good at praying? Only those who have extra time for God? Only for those who have it all together? Not according to the gospels.
According to the gospels, Holy Week is for those who do not know Jesus (John 12:20); for those who do not want Jesus to wash them (John 13:8); for those who do not want to share a table with Him (John 13:27); for those who doubt him (John 14:5); for those who cannot stay awake and pray with Him (Matthew 26:40, Mark 13:37, Luke 22:46); for those who abandon Him (Matthew 26:56); for those who deny Him (John 18:15f); for those who reject Him (Matthew 27:22, Mark 15:13, Luke 23:21); for those who question Him (John 15:19f); for those who mock Him (Mark 15:29).
Holy Week, say the gospels, is for those who can’t keep up, for those who can do no good, for the down and out. Holy Week is for all who are weary and heavy laden by the troubles of this world. Holy Week is for all who struggle to keep the faith and who have little hope for the future. My friends, Holy Week is for you (and for me).
During Holy Week, God in Christ enters all our uncertainty, all our questioning, all our fear, and even all our rejection and even still, in Christ God gives His life in love to you and to me — even to death on a cross. My friends, Holy Week is for you (and me).
So come, I encourage you, and do the Holy Week thing, so that God may draw you unto Himself (John 12:32) through Christ our Lord, changing you forever.
Yours in Easter Hope,
Andrew+