Preparing for Holy Week

     Last Tuesday in staff meeting the dean asked how we were preparing ourselves for Holy Week.  I realized in that moment that I was nowhere near Holy Week.  I was going through the motions - living unconsciously in this regard.  I decided in Godly Play fashion to immerse myself in the stories of Holy Week and find where I am and who I am in these stories.  I invite you to do this with me.  I will focus on just a few of the characters in this meditation.

     Holy Week will not be holy unless we know where we are in this story.  The only way to this is to take an inventory of our life.  When do we betray Jesus, deny him, or go along with whatever collective thinking we find ourselves in?  We will be seemingly loved that way.  How often do we follow this rather than the truth we have come to know through Jesus? 

     Could we possibly be Judas?  Judas must have been a smart, trusted and honest guy to have been chosen to be the treasurer of this movement.  He was the one to dispense alms to the poor.  He was a zealot and true believer.  He abhorred extravagant waste.  Judas had an end to achieve.  Perhaps in a weak moment he thought he had been wrong and caved in with the promise of money.  He may have wondered how this kingdom could come with a leader who always turned the other cheek.  When have we caved in at a moment of doubt and temptation?

     Could we possibly be Peter?  He was just keeping himself safe.  How could he possibly continue a life for God if he risked his own life by admitting his friendship with the prisoner?  So we rationalize and tell white lies or full lies.  At least we are safe from the crowds and can go about ministry the way we want to.  There are many times that we rationalize behaviors that are not in line with who God calls us to be.  Have we done that today or recently – or have plans to?

     Could we be the soldiers?   They were carrying out their orders in their job.  Their job put food on the table.  When have we been guilty of “doing what we were supposed to do” but in that process take part in the crucifixion of Jesus?  This is how they put food on the table.  Are we on the side of security or the side of rocking the boat if called for?

     Could we be one in the crowds?  How often are we consciously or unconsciously stripped of who we truly are to take on the mass identity?  It feels good to be part of a group, we can laugh or hope things get better, but do nothing about it.  When have we been guilty of this?

     Holy Week if it is to be holy demands an intense inventory of our most inner self.  It demands that we look at the many places and times where we deny, betray, go along with the masses, and crucify our Lord.  It demands repentance.  It demands death of all that is false – no matter how painful.  The Cross is the only path to resurrection.  I am blessed to walk this holy path with you.