Dear siblings in Christ,
This Sunday, March 29, is Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week, where we walk with Jesus toward the cross, from his joyous entry into Jerusalem, to a bittersweet meal with his disciples, to his betrayal, trial, and execution. As we do so, liturgical time “slows down,” like a slow-motion scene at the climactic part of the movie.
For example, there is a new Collect for each day of Holy Week (rather than the usual new Collect for each week). And of course what begins with Palm Sunday culminates in the “Triduum”, a three-part worship service that arcs from Maundy Thursday through Good Friday, and, finally, to the joy of Easter, where Jesus’s resurrection proclaims the promise that death is not the final word.
Let me encourage you to walk the way of the cross with Jesus this Holy Week by making time and space to participate in these opportunities for worship together:
Palm Sunday – Sunday March 29 at 10:30am
On Palm Sunday, also called Passion Sunday, we re-enact Jesus’s arrival in Jerusalem with a parade of palms. When the Passion Gospel is read during the service, we shift our attention to where Jesus’s path will finally lead.
Holy Week Morning Prayer – Monday March 30 – Friday April 3 at 8:00am (online)
Starting Holy Monday (March 30) through Good Friday (April 3), join us online each day for Morning Prayer (Zoom link).
Holy Monday Noonday Prayer for Peace – March 30 at Noon (at Christ Church Cathedral)
A contemplative midday service of lament, prayer, scripture, and song at Christ Church Cathedral (125 Monument Circle). As part of this service, worshipers will be invited to write their personal laments and prayers on slips of paper that will be set aside, carried through Holy Week and burned as the kindling for the new fire at the Easter Vigil to signify our hope that God will transform our grief and longing into the very light of the Resurrection.
Maundy Thursday – April 2 at 7:00pm
Maundy Thursday is the first part of the Triduum, the three holy days leading to Easter. We remember Jesus’s last supper with his disciples, his washing their feet, and his commandment to love one another as he loves us. After the service, the altar is stripped of its linen and other adornments, in preparation for Good Friday.
Good Friday – April 3 at 7:00pm
On Good Friday, we remember Jesus’s Passion: his betrayal, trial, crucifixion, and burial. We are invited to meditate on his willingness to die for us, and what it means to us, by touching and kneeling before the cross. The service ends in silence.
Holy Saturday – April 4 at 10:00am (online)
On Holy Saturday we wait with jesus in the darkness of the tomb. Join us for a brief online service at 10:00am (Zoom link).
The Easter Vigil – Saturday April 4 in the evening (not at The Table)
The Great Vigil of Easter is one of the oldest known rites of the Christian church, dating back to the second century. It brings worshipers, literally and symbolically, from darkness into light through the kindling of new fire, reading of scriptures, and the sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist. After weeks of preparation, more joyful elements return to service, including a riotous display of flowers and the word Alleluia, which has not been spoken during the past forty days of Lent.
We don’t have an Easter Vigil service this year, but I encourage you to find a service at an Episcopal church you can attend. I plan to be at Christ Church Cathedral’s Easter Vigil at 7:00pm.
Easter Sunday – April 5 at 10:30am
Like spring itself, Easter brings the promise of new life. Gloria, a song of praise, replaces the Kyrie, a supplication for mercy. Alleluia is proclaimed enthusiastically and will remain in acclamations, hymns, and dismissals throughout the fifty days of Eastertide.
I encourage you to slow down this Holy Week and open your heart to behold anew the Paschal Mystery at the heart of our faith.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Ben
