Our retreat leader guided us into the woods for about thirty minutes. Then, he took us on a walk in circles for about ten minutes. At that time, he asked us to take a break. Some of us sipped on water. A few of us sat down. Others leaned on trees or rocks. After a few minutes of rest and conversation, our leader informed us that he was returning to the trailhead. He assigned each of us a departure time and said he would see us there. There were eight of us so the last person to depart was by himself for more than thirty minutes. As you can imagine, each of us took different routes to return to the trailhead. Eventually we noticed broken branches or footprints left by those who preceded us. We all survived. A few of us reached the guide at the trailhead in about 40 minutes. Two of our group didn’t return for over an hour. It was a learning experience.
Every year, as I reflect on Holy Week, my mind revisits that day in the woods. We followed the same path and wandered off course. We lived in community and walked individual journeys. This is what happens to us spiritually as we move through Holy Week.
Last Sunday, with palm processional, drums, bells, voices, and tambourine, we entered this Holy Week rejoicing and praising the servant who arrived on a borrowed donkey. Preparations were begun for observing Passover.
On Monday and Tuesday of Holy Week, we remember how Jesus taught in Jerusalem and how some views suggest that Jesus confronted the money changers in the Temple during those days. During these days, Jesus also dealt with chief priests. Scribes, and elders who questioned his authority.
On Wednesday, Judas seeks out the opportunity to betray Jesus and finally settles for a meager thirty pieces of silver – value equal to four month’s wages for a day laborer and the price often paid for a slave.
On Thursday, Jesus gathers with the twelve. He washes their feet. He gives them his one mandate – command – “Love one another in the same way that I have loved you. This is the way people outside of a relationship with God will know that you follow me. They will see how you love one another.” Jesus lets Judas know that he is aware of his manipulative plan. Jesus goes into Gethsemane to pray. While in the garden, Jesus is arrested.
On Thursday night and Friday, Jesus is put on trial, offered to the people who praised him a few days earlier (they could have released him), beaten, crucified and buried. Almost all of Jesus’ followers scatter.
On Saturday, the Sabbath, Jesus’ followers go into hiding. Their world has changed – but they do not yet understand how much.
On Sunday, we rise while watching for the dawn. This turned out to be the week that transformed the world.
As you journey through this week, walk the path and don’t be surprised if you wander off the path a bit. Please consider ways this week is changing your world day by day.
You will find your way to Sunday’s dawn and a new beginning. See you there!