Holy Week

Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

-the collect for Holy Monday

What does it mean to walk in the way of the cross? When I was a hospital chaplain, I noticed that almost everyone who received a serious diagnosis would wonder, “Why is this happening to me?” It’s a reaction from the gut, because there’s something about us that thinks that nothing like that is supposed to happen to us, right? But of course, such things happen - and they happen often. Life is full of crucifixions - all kinds of losses, wounds, betrayals, illnesses, deaths. Holy Week tells the whole, honest human story. It mirrors our lives back to us in a way that is not always easy to look at, but that we nonetheless know is accurate.

Jesus not only walked in the way of the cross, he chose it. He chose to be just like us in every way, even the ways that are painful. And he walks by our side whenever we are walking that way, too. During Holy Week, we walk together in faith, knowing that Christ is leading the way.

But the journey through Holy Week is not just a slog through painful memories and fears, but a journey toward new life. Jesus promises that there is always new life after every crucifixion, as hard as that might be for us to believe. Holy Week is a way to practice our trust in God’s saving power and love.

I hope you will take the trip through all the Holy Week services with St. James this year, in person or online.