Holy Week for the Christian is a time of contemplation. It seems that life can't go on as normal; it must be put on pause while the thoughts of what Jesus Christ did for me are processed once again.
Last night a group of us joined to watch the Passion of Christ movie at the church. I think most of us had seen it when it was released in theaters but it was a new experience once again. Nearly everyone said the same thing, that it was different from what we had remembered of the first time.We were struck by the presence of God with us. It was powerful. As the movie progressed toward the crucifixion, the weather outside built up to a storm with lightning and thunder strikes perfectly orchestrated with the movie.
The total package of time spent in delightful fellowship, then solemnly taking in the portrayal of Jesus' last days on earth, then sharing together our responses, was truly moving.
"At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" When some of those standing near heard this, they said, "Listen, he's calling Elijah". One man ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a stick and offered it to Jesus to drink. "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to take him down," he said. With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God!" (Mark 15:33-39 NIV).
We must walk through this week of torture and shame, disappointment and betrayal, to experience the ultimate rejoicing of the Resurrection. The story doesn't end with the sadness; our Savior is Risen. He Lives!
May your walk through this Holy Week bring you closer to our Blessed Savior. Amen.
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