the Triduum…
Dear LFP Church Family and Friends,
Welcome to the "Triduum" or the "The Great Three Days." In our church calendar this represents some of the most solemn, high points of spiritual significance in the story of the redemption of the world. The three days begin this evening with the commemoration of Jesus' last supper with the disciples and into his betrayal. They lead us into the crucifixion drama of Good Friday, the waiting and stillness of Holy Saturday, and into the bright hope of Resurrection Sunday.
I encourage you to read about this tradition from a Presbyterian perspective -- THE THREE DAYS
If you pick up one of the gospels you'll notice the story slows down. The writers describe a lot happening in Jesus' last week, and they give us many details of the last three days. This is their way of saying "pay attention." Listen closely. Watch the events unfold. And decide who you think Jesus is and how you need to respond.
Recently I've been asking people, "do you have any Holy Week traditions?" The responses are varied, from "not much" to some form of reading of the Gospels, attending services, and other home traditions like decorating. Or even stripping the decorations (like we strip the chancel for this evening's service) and then decorating just before Easter morning!I invite you to lean into the next three days.
Here are some suggestions:
Reading -- Open up the gospel of Mark and read the last four chapters (for Maundy Thursday you can also read from John 13 forward to listen to Jesus' Last Discourse in the Upper Room). Our text for Sunday morning will be Mark 16:1-8.
Listening -- If you love sacred music you might try sitting down to listen to St. Matthew's Passion by J.S. Bach. This beloved work tells the story musically from the plot to kill Jesus through his death. I love taking time on Good Friday to do this every year. You can find English translations of the German text to follow along.
Worshipping -- come tonight at 7pm for our Maundy Thursday/Good Friday service, as we begin with communion and move to Jesus' crucifixion. This is a powerful way to experience the story in Scripture and song.
Embodied Walk -- on Friday and Saturday during the day, you can come down to LFPPC and walk the Stations of the Cross and reflect on Jesus' crucifixion, through the lens of the hard road of migrants. This prayerful and artistic installation is an example of how Jesus in his incarnation, death and resurrection, identifies with us and takes up our struggles in a broken and unjust world.
Of course, on Sunday we will celebrate the Resurrection, and culminate our series in Mark. I look forward to seeing you there for a joyful celebration -- a critical part of the story!
Next week we begin a new series called "Beloved," exploring the longest sentence in the Bible and also Henri Nouwen's insights in his book Life of the Beloved. This will fit perfectly with our Eastertide season of asking what it means for us to live in light of Christ's resurrection.
Have a blessed Triduum!
Pastor Jeff