The Triduum 2010
Maundy Thursday
‘This do in remembrance of me.’ Jesus connected His redemption of the world and the promise of restoration to a meal– a bit of bread, a sip of wine– a reminder that we are being rescued. He also washed His disciples his feet, including the one who would betray him. A bit of love that foreshadowed how he would love us to the end.
Good Friday
Prayers of Reconciliation
Luke described the last three hours of Jesus’ crucifixion like this:
It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.
So from 12 (the 6th hour) until 3 (the 9th hour), we’ll open the church for prayer. If you come, you can expect quiet, soft music, not many people, and a still environment in which to pray.
Remembering that the curtain was town in 2, that the dividing wall between God and humanity was torn down, and that we have been reconciled with our Maker, there will also be an opportunity for you to pray with me (David), the liturgy for reconciliation of a penitent. Restoration has a rock-solid theology of the priesthood of all believers. God does not hear us better if we pray with a pastor. But, we also have a strong belief that the Gospel is catalyzed by community. Sometimes it is helpful for people to pray with someone else. Sometimes it helps to pray with a pastor, who will guard your confidentiality and say words of grace and peace in response. Sometimes.
I personally like to deliberately pray this liturgy with someone else once a year– to be intentional about confession. This will be helpful for some and mandatory for none. I am trying to provide one more resource for you to engage with God during Holy Week.
If you are interested in praying the liturgy with me, you can find me at the front of the sanctuary between 12 and 3 on Friday.
The 7 Last Words of Christ
Friday night, we will gather at 7:30 to think about the 7 statements that Jesus uttered from the cross. This will be a moving service of personal reflection and music.
The Great Vigil of Easter
8:30pm We will move from ‘darkness’ through the lighting of the Paschal candle, to the story of the deliverance from Egypt, to the narrative of redemption from Genesis on, to the renewal of our baptism vows, to the Great Shout of Alleluia (don’t forget to bring a bell!) as we conclude our Holy Week worship with the first Eucharist of Easter. After, we will break our Lenten Fast downstairs with chocolate, sweets, and celebration!
Some folks fast from Thursday night to Saturday.
Some choose to pray the Daily Office.
Some choose to clear some time to journal their confessions or their hopes. Some make plans to pray with others and give thanks for their friendship.
Three Days. Resurrection is coming.
