This Holy Week, we will look together at questions. There is no question The Christian Community has ever faced like the existential one we are facing now. A question that rises in my soul in response to it, as I wrestle for answers every day, is: what do Christ and Michael hope we will be able to make of this situation? How are they working within this and with it?
I think of the story of the healing of the man born blind told in John 9. The disciples ask a question: "Who sinned to cause him to be born blind—him or his parents?" But Jesus replies that it was neither; rather, this man was born blind in order to reveal God at work through him, to reveal God's goodness, you could say—God's permeating reality and ability to make a difficult situation into a doorway through which love enters the world.
Some have asked the question if they could come be in the church while I celebrate, or if I need a server, or music. Others have asked if they may gather there for different reasons. For the time being, while the question in the world rages on, I have to say no to all of these beautiful and worthy requests. I am hopeful and look forward to answering you with an open church again soon.
I do however feel your presence as you join in spiritually, and each week it grows stronger! Please join me again this week as I celebrate daily for Holy Week: Sunday at 10:30 AM, Monday through Saturday at 10:00 AM.
Recall Christ's word to us in Luke 21: Heaven and earth will pass away, but my Words will not pass away. In celebrating the Act of Consecration of Man together, we heed this word, and help a spiritual-sun permeated new earth to rise. We build Christ community through our inner bearing forth. Never before have there been so many celebrations every day around the globe as are happening right now under this strange confinement. To inwardly hold the service together is an act of strengthening our service to Christ who said: I AM the Light of the World.
Again, suggestions for joining in:
• Light a candle at the time of the service.
• Extend your consciousness to the altar (and as far as you like, around the globe!)
• Recall words, images and gestures from the Act of Consecration.
• Read the Gospel reading
• Read/Contemplate the Creed
• Pray the Lord’s Prayer
• Sing! He Who Walks in the Darkness and I AM the Bread of Life (see Music page)
HOLY WEEK PROGRAM: Living into Questions Jesus Asked.
Daily Contemplations will be offered via ZOOM.
Each day the contemplation audio file will be posted on the blog page of our website, where you can also find the links to get on the calls. (The talk from last Sunday night—Cultivating Courage—and a handout is also up there.)
For Children and Families
Palm Sunday morning at 9:15 AM, I'd love to lead the children in some of our familiar movement games, prayer, song and a story over Zoom. Last week, six children joined in. I will be holding the Sunday Service for Children at 10:00AM alone but with all of you in heart and mind.
There are many resources below offered for how you can enter Holy Week and prepare for Easter. Another mail will be sent out midweek to offer suggestions for a robust celebration of Easter!
Wishing you strength and wonder to live fully into the questions!
Your priest,
Rev. Liza Joy Marcato