Holy week is such a wonderful time to look deeply at our spiritual journey. Palm Sunday we start with the prosession singing hossana to God.Very much like when we first realize how much Jesus loves us and we are so excitied and we feel like dancing and praising God. This is good!It is very important for the begining of the spiritual journey.
Then, the excitement becomes a little less and life happens.We may have a death in the family or an illness or any number of things. We question God , asking if You love us how can You let this happen. It can touch your very soul.Just like Jesus in the passion that we read on Palm Sunday.Jesus asks God why He has abandoned him.But Jesus continues being faithful and obedient to God.He says, not my will but your will be done.That can be very hard for us to do.To keep our faith to keep following Jesus when we may be in pain. It makes us look deep within oursleves and ask what do we true ly believe. What will keep us going.This can be to much for some people, yet if you hang in there. If you ask the tough questions and stick with what you know is the truth, this can help you grow in your faith. In fact it is neccesary to grow in yoru faith.Otherwise, when hard times come, your don't have a sound foundation.
Then we have the washing of the feet on Thursday.To remind us of our service to others and how Jesus, who is Gods son was constantly serving and he asks us to do the same. even when the times are hard. Does that mean we can never rest or take care of ourselves? Of course not. Jesus prayed before the passion. We need time to pray and strengthen our relationship with Jesus. It is essential. We need to take care of ourselves so we can serve others.Then Good Friday comes.The power of the cross!There are many things I could write about Good Friday, which could be a book, but for this article I would just say I am always moved by Good Friday, and how we are called to carry our cross, just like Jesus. We are asked to follow Gods will not our own. For that matter not our culture if it seems to contradict what God is calling us to.What is our cross?What ever it is Jesus knows your pain and he will be there for you. Just as he was there for us on Good Friday.
Then - then----EASTER!!! Resurection!!Everlasting Life!Jesus has risen and so will we!!What greater joy is there!?Not only are we celebrating our resurection when we die but the small resurections we experience many times in our life. The times we have been able to make it through some kind of loss or dying in our life ,with the help of Jesus to finally experience resurection!!!
I wish you a blessed Holy week and Easter!!
