March is a packed month in the life of the church this year. And that’s perfectly ok by me.
You see, this month (at least liturgically speaking) is packed to the rafters with powerful stories.
We of course have the power of simplicity with Lent for most of the month. But then, all of a sudden (it seems) we’re hit with one part of Jesus’ story after the next:
-March 24—Palm Sunday
-March 28—Maundy Thursday
-March 29—Good Friday
-March 31—Resurrection
With so many things happening in such short order, it can be easy to miss something.
[The power and majesty of Palm Sunday when Christ, riding humbly on a donkey as a mocking gesture toward the Romans who had their big white steeds and also to identify with his
style of kingship.] He’s cheered at, “Hosanna” (which means save us now, please!) and lauded a triumphant king by the massive crowds as they waved their palms and placed their cloaks upon the ground.
But just a few days later he eats with his disciples for the last time and washes their feet, an act not of royalty but of servanthood. And then that very night he is arrested and thrown through the ringer.
He’s beaten, whipped, mocked, and ultimately tortured for committing no crimes. The same crowds heralding his arrival have now become the masses chanting, “Crucify him!” The completely innocent One places himself in the spot of a criminal for the sake of the world…and they didn’t even know it.
And then the world goes silent. Not really…life would have just gone on in those days. But for us as we read the story it just goes silent.
And then…seemingly out of nowhere…up from the grave he arises! Resurrection has happened…his promises are real! The women who’ve come to tomb are astonished and they run to tell the good news of this day!
So many little details to be caught all along the way. There’s so much power in these stories even if we feel like we know them well.
I hope with everything going on this month in the life of the church that you’ll be able to join or tune in for worship. I encourage you to pick a Gospel and read through the final week of Jesus’ life. Maybe take the month and read through all four of them to get different flavors and different angles.
May we all be blessed and find new meaning and new life as we celebrate together the story of Christ, his passion, and his resurrection!