Beloveds,
Last night, we shared the Seder meal with the Makom Shalom community, and learned a lot about Jewish Passover traditions. Because Jesus was a Jew, rooted in Jewish faith and cultural traditions, what we think of as "The Last Supper" was a Passover meal. When Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, it connected with the Seder tradition of ritual washing of hands in preparation for eating the meal. When Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, it was a powerful example of how God can be found in humble service of others.
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam share the same God, are all Abrahamic religions that share Abraham as a spiritual ancestor, and also share stories including Moses leading the Hebrews out of Egypt. This exodus, which provided the backbone of the event last night, is a story of escaping oppression with faith in God as a steadfast supporter.
I've shared with you previously that I am reading "A Just Passion, A Six-Week Lenten Journey" throughout Lent. Yesterday's (Maunday Thursday) reading included this gem: "Lamentations recognize that hope can arise in the midst of suffering because of God's faithfulness." This is so true! God doesn't expect us to ignore the suffering of our own selves, or that of others. Sometimes feeling and expressing sorrow can be the very thing that brings us closer to God, because in feeling what we feel (however challenging), we are being real and open, and this opening allows room for experiencing the divine.
Tonight is our Good Friday service. Good Friday is the hardest day of Holy Week, as we face the crucifiction of Jesus. We know that Jesus rises again very soon, and that can give us hope to get through the quiet and dark contemplation of his death on the cross. Because Jesus experiences his own suffering and death, we can be reassured that when we are suffering ourselves, Jesus is able to reach us in that difficult place because he, too, has been brought low.
I hope to see you tonight, online or in the sanctuary, for this somber time. I also hope, very much, to see you on Sunday! We will be at the Sonrise Service at 6am by the clocktower, 9am brunch at the church, and 11am celebration in the sanctuary!
Please join us on this journey! And, whether or not you can attend, know that we love you, and that God loves you every day and always.
