Today is Wednesday of Holy Week. The gospels differ on the exact timeline, but according to Mark, on Sunday Jesus processed into Jerusalem on a donkey. On Monday he went into the temple and overturned the tables, and then left the city. On Tuesday he returns to the temple and is questioned by the chief priests and scribes, and then the Pharisees, and then the Saducees. He tells parables, he answers questions, he provokes, he predicts. On Wednesday Jesus is at Simon's house in Bethany, and a woman there anoints him with expensive perfume. And Judas makes a deal with the chief priests to betray him. On Thursday Jesus will celebrate the Passover meal with his disciples, and then is denied, betrayed, and arrested. On Friday morning he will be crucified.
This day and this week hold many sacred layers. For me, this week is weighty with cosmic, mythic and personal significance. The gospel events of today offer both honor and betrayal. Tonight begins the Jewish celebration of Passover. And tonight is also the full moon, the "pink moon" to be exact, the first full moon of spring. My daughter was born - 18 years ago! - on the pink full moon. And this Friday, Good Friday, is also the second anniversary of my father's death.
How does this week resonate for you? What grief or joy or blessing does it touch? I invite you to enter those feelings, those memories, those hopes. Perhaps spend time outside with the pink moon. Read Mark chapter 14. Sit in the stillness of tomorrow night's service and wonder about suffering, redemption, and grace.
May you find peace and meaning this Holy Week, as we are ushered towards the cross, and the promise of Easter.
