The Tribune

By Rev Angela C

Bosfield Palacious

THIS is the most sacred time in the church’s history, when we ponder the days leading up to Good Friday and Easter. What are some of the lessons that we can learn from the events of this week?

Palm Sunday reminds us that in the midst of great celebration there are often other underlying emotions. The crowd is so excited to have their Messiah arriving in the city. They are looking forward to liberation from Roman rule. They wave palm branches as a show of respect and reverence. There is a frenzy of public approval and acclaim.

Do we have moments of overwhelming joy as we thank and praise God for all of our many blessings, especially liberation from sin and death as the final answer the human dilemma?

Are we more emotional over sports teams or winning lotteries or playing numbers?

The cleansing of the temple is a clear indication that this donkey-riding King is not afraid of political or religious authorities. If he were to call His legions of angels there would be no doubt as to who was “large and in charge”. This temple was being desecrated and He would not tolerate the house of prayer being turn into a “den of robbers”. Do we have a strong sense of the sacred and the importance of showing reverence for the things of God, including ourselves as the temple of the Lord?

The Maundy Thursday introduction of the Eucharist as the New Covenant is a lasting memorial of the supreme sacrifice made on our behalf. The command to wash the feet of others, representing an act of humble self-effacement and loving kindness, follows the dramatic action of Jesus himself washing the feet of His own disciples. Are we regular participants in the Eucharist and recipients of the sacrament? Do we kneel, stand or sit in awe as we commune with God and each other in this most intimate way?

Good Friday is the day when the highest price possible was paid to redeem us. The becoming one with us (Atonement) involves a level of identification that remains a mystery to us, as One who is both God and human being suffers a cruel death on a cross to pay our penalty of sin which is death. Are we willing to confess our sins and acknowledge our need for a Saviour? Do we grieve over the torture and death of an innocent person that enables us to come before the throne of grace in prayer covered with the robes of Christ’s righteousness? Do we understand why it is Good Friday? Do we wrestle with just how to return love to a God who loves us enough to send an only Son to die for us? How do we carry our crosses?

Holy Saturday is a day of quiet rest and waiting. It is the day after a terrible death and the agony of desertion by the disciples. We know how the story will end but they do not. They are truly in the dark, locked behind doors in fear for their own lives. Are we gripped by anxiety and fear when it comes to sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ? Would we consider speaking in public about it, or approaching strangers? Are we still hiding from opposition and disapproval, or strong criticism and ridicule, if we admit that we are committed Christians?

Easter morning brings unspeakable joy, dreams fulfilled and hopes that go out of this world. God is faithful. Jesus is alive! We can face tomorrow because we serve a risen Saviour. There are no words to express what kind of power brings a dead person back to life, and yet the empty tomb reminds us that this is the nature of the God whom we serve. The transforming presence of our God and the life-changing power of the resurrection will be revealed as we watch the disciples go from cowards to men of courage. Brave women remained at the foot of the cross, and stay near the tomb. Mary Magdalene was rewarded with a glimpse of her newly resurrected Messiah. Are we an Easter people who reflect the transformation that can only come as a result of a close and personal relationship with Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ?

There are many more thoughts to ponder during this week. Sin, death, salvation and eternal life are the most obvious, but the more we study these passages, the more we will learn about the mind and ways of God.

Let Easter Monday be your day of full social celebration. Let this week and weekend be a time for prayer and quiet reflection. The focus should be on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and on nothing else. Easter eggs, baskets and lilies, new clothes and other material things are to be explained as to how they relate to new life, and fresh beginnings, associated with the resurrection. It is all about God’s action and our loving, joyful, prayerful response from Easter Sunday and beyond, for the rest of our lives.