Keeping Holy Week holy has always been a bit problematic. I am reminded of the times we were on the high seas...impossible to keep except in our hearts...
On special days like Maunday Thursday , the traditional day for a priest to renew the vows taken at ordination I have always tried to keep it properly even without a church to attend!
This week I have a funeral on that day so I will be unable to get to the cathedral.
The anniversary of the first David's death fell on Easter Sunday...all I was able to do on that day was take lilies to the church and then scuttle home to weep in peace!
Holy Week should be special I think...it prepares us for the horror of death followed by the glory of resurrection...but as I get older it has become more personal, filled with good and painful memories of people and times past!
This year has brought its own problem in the shape of a painful blister on my tongue!
Eating is difficult and mostly liquid! Speaking is painful and with a thick tongue lacks my usual clarity....
The mouthwash is the one used by David in his last weeks...
And yet...we are moving towards the wonderful moment of joyful realisation!
I just hope my reflections and problems somehow resolve themselves in time to help the bereaved, sing the hymns and pray for the dear departed on Thursday! .
Holy Week was never designed to be easy.....
4 comments:
May the problems you current have and the grief you carry be used by the Lord as you minister to others, especially on Thursday. I sometimes think we may be more useful when we know we are weak, than when we think we are strong - that's my experience anyway.
I sincerely hope you are right Nancy!
I can't do the lead up to Easter Sunday this year. Normally I do try to attend all the services but Ash Wednesday nearly finished me off so I am asking the good Lord to forgive me this year. Like you I always find the lead up to Easter Sunday sad and this grieving lady cannot cope with more. I shall be in church on Sunday for the loveliest service of the year. I will be thinking of you Jean xx
A few words from a sermon read a week or so ago, about Jesus being on the side of the weak and troubled, because a man, nailed to a cross can't side with power - he knows the pitfalls of that. I pray that your suffering will subside in time for you too abide with Jesus and your people at Easter.
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