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Dear friends,
In 2002, over 20 years ago, I had my first real experience of Holy Week. At my home parish of All Saints' Episcopal Church in River Ridge, they offered an "Altar of Repose." That's what some parishes (like St. Paul's) call a Gethsemane Watch.
A Gethsemane Watch is an all-night vigil where you can pray with the reserved sacrament. It's akin to the story of Jesus asking the disciples to pray with him for just one hour the night before his death. It offers the chance to spend some time in prayer and reflection with Jesus.
I had never done anything like it. That hour of prayer before the altar had a profound effect on me. I've done it every year since, and it remains one of the most special moments of Holy Week for me.
That's the thing about the Holy Week offerings: they are experiential. I love the experience of receiving communion at the typical Eucharist, but Holy Week offers an even deeper experiential opportunity.
Some people love the Gethsemane Watch. Some are moved by the foot washing at the Maundy Thursday service. Some find the veneration of the Cross on Good Friday will move them to tears. Some people I know who have taken the time to participate in the Great Vigil of Easter describe it as the most beautiful service of the year, and even "life-changing."
I have my favorite Holy Week moments, but can relate to all of these sentiments. The entire week is a deeply experiential remembering of the core of the Christian faith expressed in the events surrounding Jesus' death and resurrection.
If it feels like I'm doing the hard-court press in selling you on Holy Week, well . . . guilty as charged. Take a look at the schedule. See what works in your schedule this coming week and give yourself an experiential gift.
Looking forward to seeing you for the start of it all this Palm Sunday at 7:45 AM or 10:15 AM for worship. Until then, keep the faith, St. Paul's!
God's blessings,
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