Thoughts for Pastors for Holy Week
(But think some things apply to all of us)
Hebrews 12:1-3
Wherefore seeing we also are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
No pressure, pastor, but it is Holy Week.
A week set aside for the specific purpose of calling to mind the passion of our Lord. How have you marked it? Did you take a week off from work or study to spend it in prayer? Me neither. There are lessons for each day of this week. Will you take time to read them? I haven’t, in the past, and I don’t even have the excuse of saying that I did not know they were there. But you are seated now, and can take some time to concentrate on the passion story.
Jerusalem-Roman steps to Caiaphas' house
So, what was and is the great passion of Christ?
God’s passion, that which drives the whole story of salvation, is the restoration of the relationship between God and humanity that was broken beyond our mending in the Garden of Eden. It was God’s love for each of us individually and for the whole of humanity that paved a road between the garden and Calvary with promises both made and kept. Hebrews 12 follows immediately the great chapter of faith that starts with the words, ‘Faith is the substance of things hoped for, evidence of things not seen’ and continues to tell the stories of the patriarchs whose faith was counted as righteousness. We are placed in the middle of these powerful witnesses and told to keep on running.
Christ ran the race and endured the cross to win a trophy – a joy promised – the restoration of the relationship with us. We are now urged to follow on and consider Christ’s example lest we get tired of it all. For me, the encouragement needs to keep on coming 24-7, I get tired very easily. I’d have been tempted to walk around in Gethsemane muttering about the difference between a bruised heel (remember the first promise given in Eden) and slow strangulation by crucifixion. I’m prone to procrastination, putting off my time of prayer or devotion until there is no time. Then I blame God for not making the days longer or at least reducing my need for sleep.
Garden of Gethsemane- Jerusalem-
Like the disciples, I’m caught napping when Christ asks me to walk with Him. I walk on by my neighbor and comfort myself with the thought that I contribute regularly to the food pantry and take gently worn clothing and shoes to Good Will. I’m apt to be quick with an angry word, email, or text and judge the driving habits of others harshly.
By God’s grace, we are still supported by the means of grace and surrounded by witnesses. We are baptized children of God, fed and nourished by the words of God and the body and blood of Christ. Those you see daily are powerful witnesses and you are witness to them.
So, yes, it’s Holy Week – a week set aside to remember the passion of Christ. To remember the dreadful sacrifice made necessary by our sin, but also the passionate love that endured in spite of our sin, and the prize – the joyous reunion with God that is the trophy won for each of us by Christ. The crown of glory, the heavenly mansion, the peace that comes with knowing that we are forgiven. Redeemed by the blood of Christ. Made new again.
No Pressure. It’s Holy Week, and God still loves us.
Remembering the way life shifts into high gear for pastors
(and often all church workers) during Holy week,
I retrieved a piece of encouragement
I wrote some years ago for my own pastors.
God be with you this week and every week in this year of our Lord.
© Natalie Grace, 2011
Thank you to Natalie Grace Hartwig
for her thoughts this Holy Week.
Photos by Constance Denninger-Jan. 2017
