Three Parades ~ Our Journey Through Holy Week

Greeting Friends,

Three Parades ~ Our Journey Through Holy Week ~ Everybody loves a parade, right?

Within a short span of time Jesus was “front and center” in three parades — three very different parades, under vastly differing circumstances.

Holy Week commences in the celebratory manner with which we commonly associate with parades. On Palm Sunday we follow Jesus as he makes his triumphant entrance into Jerusalem; where he is greeted by an excited crowd waving palm branches and exclaiming “Hosanna; Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

Soon, however, we turn our attention toward two other parades — journeys of a far more sinister and sorrowful nature. We come face to face with the worst of humanity’s sinful nature. We sullenly watch as the Son of God begins his agonizing pathway to death on a cross and, ultimately, burial in that cold and dismal tomb.

Alas! The journey and ultimate destiny do not stop there. Jesus, after three days, is resurrected from the dead. He appears to those closest to him: his disciples and Mary Magdalen. He ministers to them and, before his ascension, speaks those famous words of comfort, “Peace I leave unto you, “ and culminates with perhaps his greatest proclamation: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit… And, remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28: 19-20

Pastor Colin and I have been working to create meaningful worship services of varying styles and character with the common goal of providing you with an introspective yet inspirational journey through Lent, Holy Week, and finally the great festival that is Easter Sunday.

A NOTE TO SINGERS: We have been invited to participate with the choir of Faith Lilac Way for our joint parish service on the evening of Good Friday. More details to come soon!

I wish you all a meaningful Holy Week and a glorious Easter!

Blessings, Ben  🎵