From the hopeful cries of Hosanna (save us!) on Palm Sunday to the tearful cries of despair on Good Friday, and on through to the joyful celebration of Easter Sunday, Holy Week is coming. And if you are feeling like me, I think we need it desperately. We need time to turn off the news which pounds us with raw images and stories of violence and natural disasters ripping through neighborhoods; each of these leaving devastation of hearts and lives behind.
We need time apart to deeply pray for our friends and families, our communities, and our nation. And to cry out, “Where are you, God” in this midst of this suffering?! It is Good Friday that reminds us that God is on the cross for us and therefore with us in our suffering. God is not above it all, but God is in it with us – with all of those who struggle.
A next step in our prayers might be to ask with an open heart – what do I have to bring to the table (talents, insights, abilities) to help improve things for those who are hurting? How is God calling me to live and to respond in this moment in time? How can we work to make a safer world for all of God’s children?
On Palm Sunday we’ll look at Psalm 118 which reminds us, “O give thanks to the Lord, for God is good, for God’s steadfast love endures forever.” When life feels like it may be unraveling at the seams, it is hard to remember to give thanks and to remember that God has got this. But it is true. And the Holy week ahead will demonstrate this truth; from the heights to the depths of human emotion, God is in it with us and for us. Let’s help each other remember this and to hold onto hope in the goodness and resurrection power of God.
Blessings,
Rev. Amy