A Moment Aside --- 1 April 2021
Rather than a nice photo with some inspirational quote, I
decided to place this so-called “Clip-art” at the top of the devotional for
this day.
Wednesday is often called Spy Wednesday since the appointed
Scripture reading for the day includes the relating of Judas’ betrayal of Jesus
for 30 pieces of silver.
Thursday is Maundy Thursday. It is called that because the
Scripture reading of the day quotes Jesus’ “Great Mandate”: “Love one another as I have loved you.”
The day also includes the celebration of the Lord’s Supper which we renew every
time we celebrate Holy Communion or the Eucharist/the Great Thanksgiving on
Sundays or other days.
Friday is Good Friday which lets us focus on the Cross of
Jesus Christ and the telling of the Passion of Jesus, which includes Peter’s
three-fold denial. The horrendous story of Jesus’ scourging, carrying the
cross, and crucifixion are read, not to disgust us but to remind us of the
lengths to which our God would go to redeem us and free us from sin.
Saturday is an odd day. Not much “church-y” goes on…
…until sunset when the awesome Great Vigil of Easter can
begin. Our modern celebration might take an hour or two, but our spiritual
ancestors would make it an all-night vigil ending with a sunrise service in
many places. The new fire would be lit, baptismal promises would be renewed,
and what many call “Bright Week” would begin. Celebration and often feasting
would go on. Those who were baptized at Easter could wear their new clothes as
those new clothes reflect the new life of grace they received in the pouring of
the water and the out-pouring of the Spirit.
The coins, the cup and loaf, the rooster, the crown of thorns,
and the crucified Christ are the points of Holy Week. Easter has its own
symbols and we’ll see them soon.
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