We are entering one of the busiest times of the church year: Holy Week. It is a time filled with multiple liturgies, schedules, and arrangements between the various ministry groups, worship times, and many bulletins (I say this as I finish another round of proofreading). The church will have a lot of activity as we prepare to welcome visitors, seekers, and guests. We will do our best to enter into the sacred space of Holy Week. But I want you to consider taking a little time for yourself in the presence of God.
A clergy colleague always says during the season of Advent, “Slow down, be quiet; it’s Advent.” Maybe we can apply this slogan to Holy Week and hear me out before you say, “That’s all well and good, Father Tim, but you know how insane this week can be?” When I invite you to take some time to yourself, it can be just about anywhere and anytime during Holy Week. You may find the time for silent meditation for a moment throughout one of the liturgies, especially during the Maundy Thursday and Good Friday liturgies, where there is intentional silence. You may find time on Holy Saturday as you prepare for the Easter celebrations. Perhaps you can find time to reflect on the last week of Jesus during a walk in the beautiful spring we are experiencing in Snellville. You could find time during an early morning in the week as you pray and offer yourself and your day to God with your first cup of coffee.
And you may find that the only time you get is during a drive to church or somewhere else. Regardless of where you find time for yourself, know that all our occasions with God are holy, sacred, and unique, and God is interested and wants to be with you and, hopefully, vice versa. However, as you enter and experience Holy Week this year, I hope you are intentional and open to the time God gives you and the wonder of this week’s liturgies.
May God be with us as we travel with Jesus to the cheering crowds of Jerusalem to the intimacy of Maundy Thursday, from the solemnity of Good Friday to the joyful proclamation of Jesus’ resurrection and victory over death at the Great Vigil of Easter and Easter Sunday. I pray that we all have a wonderful Holy Week and find God in some unexpected places during our journey with Jesus.
Holy Week Blessings!
Father Tim Meyers
Rector
