Weekly Update | March 24, 2024
Soon, very soon we will celebrate Easter – the glorious day when Jesus becomes known to us in new life-giving ways that transcends life and death, giving love.
But before we get to the “He is Risen” part of this sacred story, you are invited to draw near as we recall the final week of his life, find ourselves in the story, walk with Jesus, wash and break bread together, watch, wait and recall all that was given so that we may have new life. For who wouldn’t make time to spend with a loved one, if only we had known that death was near, or that such a gift of love would be given for us all.
To experience the fullness of this gift of love, please join us as we journey through Holy Week to Easter and beyond. This Sunday, 3/24, we will sing joyfully and wave palms as we walk with Jesus. Then on Wednesday, 3/27, at 7pm we will move from lightness to dark through spoken word as we draw near. On Thursday, 3/28, at 7pm, we will gather to wash feet and remember the last meal that Jesus shared with his friends. To then be present on Friday, 3/29, at 12:10pm (principal service) and 7pm for the Stations of the Cross with reflections written by Bob Bowen, as we wait with Jesus through his death on the cross.
For it is through giving that we receive God’s gifts of new life and love. Easter is this celebration! Celebrations begin on Saturday, 3/30, at 7pm with the Easter Vigil Service, which is when we will light the Pascal Candle with new fire, hear stories of salvation, discover the empty tomb, ring bells, and baptize new members of God’s church in the name of Christ rejoicing together. Then, on Sunday 3/31 at 10am, we will celebrate a joyful Easter morning with The Rt. Rev. John H. Taylor as presider and preacher this day.
We do know it’s possible to skip right over Holy Week by celebrating Palm Sunday and Easter, and missing out on everything in between. Yet ironically, it is the living of life in between and through the challenges and transitions of life that we meet Jesus, entering into relationship with him. For many, this is when we need God the most: when life isn’t so easy, when confronted with uncertainty and loss, when we are alone, when hungry, when yearning for more than the riches of life can give, knowing and believing that there is something more than we can experience on our own – through the love of Christ.
I hope you will join us for Holy Week and Easter at St. John’s Cathedral. Let us find the time in our busy lives to journey together with Jesus through his life and beyond the cross. Let us draw closer to God. For it is through giving that we receive God’s gift of new life and love. May we receive this life-giving, loving gift of Easter once again, and grow in faith, love and hope through Christ.
With love and blessings,
Anne+
