I received a call from my niece a couple of days ago and she commented that she felt overwhelmed with the upcoming Holy Week. What God did for her was just overwhelming her. On the other hand, I am sure that Holy Week is just another week for some. Maybe they will go to an Easter service, maybe not. And maybe for most of us, we are somewhere in the middle. The greatest part of all this is Jesus died for those who are overwhelmed, those who feel it is just another day, and for those who are somewhere in the middle. Praise God that he sent his Son for me. Praise God that he sent his Son for all.
I would like to give you a little theology lesson. There are two types of theology. One, Theology of the Cross and two, Theology of Glory. There are so many details about each one, but let me try to explain them quickly. Theology of the Cross is what Lutherans (and many other faith traditions) rest in. We try not to rush Good Friday. Here, we know that Jesus suffered beyond anything we will experience. But in Jesus’ suffering, we know that Jesus is present when we suffer. Jesus knows what we are experiencing and he is right there with us.
Theology of Glory is quite different. If I have this right, the Theology of Glory races through Holy Week to get to the glory displayed by Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus’ resurrection displays that even death has no power over Jesus. Usually, these faith traditions, even though they recognize the crucifixion of Jesus and understand that his death was for our sins, it is the resurrection that displays Jesus’ glory. Those who have this theology can’t wait until Easter morning.
Again, this is a very brief description of each one. I have a book on my shelf that is titled, Theology of the Cross. A whole book, instead of a paragraph.
Again, Lutherans sit and reflect what Jesus did for us on Good Friday. Yes, the resurrection is awesome but without the crucifixion there would be no resurrection. It can be said that without the incarnation (birth of Jesus), I wouldn’t be writing this.
I have been thinking a lot about Romans 5:8 lately. “It goes something like this: God demonstrated his love for us, that while we were sinners, Christ died for us.” This is what has been carrying your pastor for the last week or so. Am I overwhelmed by Holy Week? No. I have been talking a lot about God’s love for each one of us. Holy Week for me, is another demonstration of God’s love for us. Maybe, we should write this verse on a card and memorize it. You know where you live. You know your phone number. We can memorize one verse.
If you have a chance, give a large thank you to everyone on Altar Guild. Give a thank you to all the choir members. Don’t forget the readers and the assistants. Leave a message for Eloide thanking her. Fist bump Brock. The greeters are going to see many new faces this week. Thank them also. Please, please, do not get mad when someone is sitting in “your pew.” Introduce yourself and welcome them to St. Johns. It might be the first time they have stepped into our church, or maybe any church. Be warm and welcoming.
The Living Last Supper, First Communion and the stripping of the altar all occur on Maundy Thursday. A different Passion story will be read on Friday and you will have an opportunity to place your sins, thoughts and your burdens on the cross. So much happens on Saturday during the Easter Vigil. I love the organ. If there is a celebration that screams the playing of the organ, it is Easter. Plus, we get to take (blank) out of the box. Do not forget that we are not celebrating Jesus’ death and resurrection. Jesus already has done this. Do NOT put him back on the cross. What we will be celebrating this week is what Jesus did for us through his death and resurrection.
Thursday and Friday services start at 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday services start at the normal time. I hope you will experience Holy Week with me.
Truth: Only by filling up with God’s love, do I have love to share. (Living Lutheran, March 2023)
Pastor Tom
815-223-1144
Maundy Thursday –Living Last Supper; First Communion; Striping of Altar (Psalm 22).
Good Friday – John 18:1-19:42
Saturday Easter Vigil
Genesis 1-2:4a Psalm 136:1-9, 23-26 Isaiah 55:1-11 Romans 6:3-11 John 20:1-18
Easter Sunday
Acts 10:34-43 Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 Luke 24:1-12
Reading the Bible in a Year- Monday, April 14 to Sunday April 20
Day Ecclesiastes Psalms Proverbs 1st Corinthians
Monday Ch 4-Ch 6 19:23- 20:4 Ch 7:17-35
Tuesday Ch 7-Ch 9:12 95:1-11 Ch 7:36-Ch 8:13
Wednesday Ch 9:13-Ch 12 96:1:13 Ch 9:1-18
2nd Chronicles
Thursday Ch 2-Ch 5:1 97:1-12 Ch 9:19 – Ch 10:13
Friday Ch 5:2-Ch 7:10 20:5-14 Ch 10:14 – Ch 11:1
Saturday Ch 7:11 – Ch 9 98:1-9 Ch 11:2-34
Song of Solomon
Sunday Ch 1- Ch 4 99:1-9 Ch 12:1-26
Ecclesiastes-more vanity. I do like the middle of chapter 4 where the writer talks about the value of a friend. That is NOT vanity. We find out in chapter 5 to let our words be few, especially when talking to God.
2nd Chronicles-more descriptions about King Solomon about how rich and how wise he was. But at his death, things begin to turn in chapter 10. Once, the united kingdom, will now split into two: The Northern Kingdom and the Southern Kingdom
Song of Solomon-probably the most controversial book in the Bible. You might see why. Many people thought it should not be included. Are they talking about love between man and woman or God and humans?
Psalms-I think our Choir Director would love this section of the psalms. There are many references about making a joyful noise. I know she is always looking for people who would like to share their joyful noise with others. Our joy should always be directed to our God who is King!
Proverbs-sorry, didn’t really come up with much in this section. I hope you did.
1st Corinthians-remember, Paul is trying to correct many behaviors that are dividing the people in Corinth and some of them simply are not pleasing to God. In this section, you will read about a great deal of advice given by Paul. In chapter 12, Paul starts describing spiritual gifts which are different than fruits of the Spirit.