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'Dying to Life' (Lent, a journey to Easter & beyond)
Lent Six - Palm Sunday/Passiontide - April 13th
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 or Psalm 31:9-16
Philippians 2:5-11
Mark 11:1-11 or John 12:12-16
[Palm]
Mark 14:1-15:47 or Mark 15:1-39(40-47)
[Passion]
After the parade: passion! We are now entering a time where the readings evoke passion and compassion, fear and faithfulness. How worshipping congregations handle the next week varies markedly. For some the emphasis on Holy Week goes unmarked except for Good Friday and Easter Day and possible something on Maundy Thursday, for others each day is marked in some way. Often there are combined services, or choirs and drama groups take over. However you choose to mark this time it needs to be experienced. Drama, music, symbol, and silence are part of the impact, more so than the words. It is really important that the Spirit speaks to us again and again through the story, for this is the story that is at the centre of everything we know and believe as Christians.
Resources abound - music, art, poetry, etc.
Many folk choose to take time out at Easter, and with the four term school year this now falls in the holidays. An option to consider is the idea of creating a service that 'walks' through Holy Week, for Palm Sunday. The lectionary readings offer options with Mark 11 and Psalm 118 linked with the entry into Jerusalem, while Isaiah 50, Philippians 2 and Mark 14 provide a totally different approach - an opportunity to read through and reflect on the passion narratives.
Isaiah....
Central to the second part of the book of Isaiah is the figure of the servant, one who is called by God to be a prophet and speak God's message. In this passage the servant /prophet is facing ridicule and persecution for the message he brings. He may also be facing a legal trial. Not too difficult to see the parallels with the week ahead.
Psalms....
Psalm 118 is the traditional palm liturgy, a liturgy of thanksgiving belonging to the Feast of the Tabernacles.
Psalm 31 a graphic description of human suffering - the part featured for today is a prayer of trust in God which includes the words Jesus prayed from the cross (v6). It is worth looking at Peterson's version of the full psalm in 'The Message'.
Philippians....
Widely regarded as an early Christian hymn or creed of the early church, its intent is to praise God and encourage the congregation to join in its strong confession of Jesus as Lord. One writer quoted 'A useful lens through which we can put Christ's passion in perspective.'
Mark....
We have the choice of staying with the celebration taking place near the city of Jerusalem, while the longer readings cover all the events of the week and give us insights into portraying disciples far from understanding Jesus' true nature and identity. Who does 'get it'? The gospel writer's trumpet to sound the clear note of Jesus' identity is the Roman centurion! 'Surely this was the Son of God.'
Questions to ask....
- Does the story of Jesus' passion bring us meaning and support in our lives today?
- Do we like the twelve, deny or abandon Christ's way in our world today when it involves personal risk and possible suffering? Reflect on the times you have abandoned Christ.
- Can we embrace the promise of God's faithfulness if we are unwilling to enter the passion of God's servant?
- Where would you choose to stand in relation to the cross?
- Consider preparing your own statement of faith/creed?
Prayer....
O God, we are like the people of Jerusalem so long ago.
We are hungry for a hero.
We crave some glimpse of greatness.
We are starving for the spectacular.
We have gathered here like those who watched
the Passion-Parade in Jerusalem,
craning our necks to catch a glimpse of our Messiah.
As we wait here for the Saviour to come
let us not be disappointed when the special one appears
even though we are certain to be surprised;
and give us courage to follow
where the one on the donkey might lead us. Amen.
From 'Touch Holiness'
Joy Cowley's 'Palm Sunday' no.46 in 'Aotearoa Psalms' makes a very valid reflection for today.
Music....
There's a wide range available - we all have our traditional favourites-
- Lord of the dance - WOV 183
- Ride on, ride on, in majesty - WOV 250
- The King of glory comes - WOV 212........and others
Consider some of the newer ones....
- Christ let us come with you - AA 17
- Come into the streets with me - AA 22
- Upon a humble donkey's back - The Mystery Telling