Holy Week, 2019, will be my 38th since ordination. It’s been my practice in all three congregations I’ve served to observe this holiest of weeks with daily worship (except Saturday). When I was younger, this worship took the form of daily Eucharists – meaning daily sermons Sunday through Sunday. Thanks to the generosity and ingenuity of St. Timothy’s Worship Committee, we’ve modified our Holy Week schedule over the years, and the result is quite pleasing.

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, the Sunday of the Passion. This year, members of our confirmation class will join me in reading the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to St. Luke. As we read Luke’s account of the Last Supper, Jesus’ betrayal, his arrest, trial, and crucifixion, we receive a solemn preview of the week to come. What begins with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem ends with rejection, humiliation, violence, and death.

Monday follows with Stations of the Cross, a moving service of prayer, readings, and song, that traces the footsteps of our Savior from trial to crucifixion. Originating as a sacred pilgrimage for those who couldn’t afford a trip to Jerusalem, the Way of the Cross continues to humble and inspire the faithful.

Tuesday evening brings a very special Eucharistic service – “Table Communion.” We gather at tables in the Fellowship Hall in an intimate way that recalls Christ’s gathering for the Passover Seder on the night of his betrayal.

We return to the sanctuary on Wednesday evening for Evening Prayer. This ancient service of song and prayer comes to us from the monastic tradition, where the faithful gathered to pray “the hours.” The simple beauty of vespers, sung with Marie Beyer’s flute accompaniment offers quiet midweek contemplation in anticipation of the momentous days to come.

Maundy Thursday’s service begins with the sermon, followed by individual absolution. We gathered on Ash Wednesday to confess our sins and acknowledge our fallen humanity. Absolution has been withheld throughout Lent, but it is granted once again on the night in which Jesus was betrayed. Remembering his last meal with the disciples, we gather for the Sacrament of Holy Communion. When all have communed, the altar is stripped and the chancel is laid bare.

Austerity is the mood on Good Friday; the altar and pulpit are devoid of any decoration, and the liturgy is spare. I lead the congregation in the Bidding Prayer, ancient petitions that are sung and spoken. John’s account of Jesus’ passion is read, interspersed with the beautiful hymns of the passion, and the extinguishing of seven candles, symbolizing Christ’s last words and the ebbing of his life. In the darkness a bell tolls 33 times – one for each year of Jesus earthly existence – and the book of life is slammed shut.

While the Lord ministers to the souls in Hades, we take Saturday off. In my younger days, I participated or hosted Easter Vigils – the first liturgy of the Easter season – on Holy Saturday. These days we wait until morning to celebrate the resurrection, which we do with festival services at 8:30 and 11:00 am. Please join us throughout the week to participate in the story of our salvation!

In Jesus’ name,

Pastor Robert M. Mountenay