“A HOLY-WEEK IN THE WORD”

“A HOLY-WEEK IN THE WORD”

Monday, April 11th, 2022

SCRIPTURE:

See below

THOUGHTS TO PONDER:

Holy Week is a time in which we are invited to journey with Christ through His final days. Yesterday we celebrated Palm Sunday, the day when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey and people placed their cloaks and branches on the road saying, “"Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"” On Thursday, we will remember the “Last Supper” when Jesus shared in the Passover meal with His disciples in the Upper Room, making a New Covenant in the sharing of His body and His blood. And we recall that it was shortly thereafter that Judas would betray Jesus and Jesus would be arrested. Friday, we will remember Jesus’ death on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins and our salvation. Indeed this was and is “Good News”, and thus named GOOD FRIDAY. And then just three days later, we will celebrate EASTER SUNDAY, the Resurrection of Christ who conquered sin and death that we might have life. Praise Be To God!

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION:

Now, I imagine that for most of us, we will have a very busy week. As clergy, we are planning for quite possibly four different worship services; Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunrise, and Sunday Morning Service. So, this week, be encouraged to simply sit with these sacred stories in your own time and space. Read and reread each scripture inviting God to reveal Himself to you. Consider practicing the spiritual discipline of Lectio Divina with any one of the readings.

PALM SUNDAY

Zechariah 9:9, Luke 19:28-44, John 12:12-19

HOLY MONDAY

Isaiah 42:1-4, Mark 11:12-25, Matthew 21:12-17, John 2:13-22, Mark 11:27-33, Luke 20:1-8

HOLY TUESDAY

Isaiah 11:1-5, John 12:20-26, 13:21-38

HOLY WEDNESDAY

Matthew 26:14-25

MAUNDY THURSDAY

Matthew 26:17–29; Mark 14:12–25; Luke 22:7–38; John 13:12-16, and I Corinthians 11:23–25

GOOD FRIDAY

Isaiah 53:1-5, John 11:48-53, Mark 15:21-41, Isaiah 53:3-7, Romans 5:12-15, 2 Cor 4:7-12, Hebrews 2:9-11

HOLY SATURDAY

Psalm 31:1-4, 15-16, Matthew 27:57-66, John 19:38-42, Romans 6:3-11, 1 Peter 4:1-8

EASTER SUNDAY

Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-14, Luke 24:1-49, John 20:1-23

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, as this Holy Week begins, ready my heart and my mind for the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in my life. As I prepare to lead in worship, may every commentary and scripture I read transform my own life as well as the people you’ve called me to serve. Lord, Help me to recall with greater depth and awareness what Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection means for me, yet a sinner saved by Your mercy and grace. I thank You and I give You praise O Lord, for the gift of Your redeeming love. I humbly offer this prayer in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. – Amen

RESOURCE & APPLICATION:

Consider Praying the Lord’s Prayer every day during Holy Week

Consider reflecting on the Stations of the Cross this week

Engage in The Practice of Lectio Divina (click below)

The Practice of Lectio Divina.pdf

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