Let’s Walk Together in Holy Week

Today is first of three of the holiest days in the Church year, traditionally known as the Triduum (Latin for “three days”). This evening, we’ll begin to walk with Jesus toward the promised life of Easter. It is not an easy road, and best traveled with friends. I invite us to walk together.

On Maundy Thursday, we’ll recall Jesus giving a new commandment (Maundy, for mandate) to those who would follow him: love one another. All the events of the evening revolve around this rule of love that guides us. We’ll share a simple meal in fellowship, wash the feet of one another, gather for Holy Communion, and lovingly undress and wash the altar as our faces turn with Jesus toward the Cross.

On Good Friday, Jesus embraces the broad extent of human cruelty and suffering on the Cross, in solidarity with us in all the afflictions of the human experience. This year, our liturgies are adapted to correct centuries of anti-Judaism inherent in many Good Friday prayers, readings, and hymnody. You can read more about these adaptations here.

And on Holy Saturday, lingering silence and darkness are dispelled by Easter light. At the Easter Vigil, we’ll gather in a darkened church to light the new fire. The old stories will be told. And then, through the waters of baptism, our songs of Alleluia will announce that Christ is risen. We will celebrate life’s victory over death, light over darkness, and share together the first Eucharist of Easter. And then – the celebration will continue with a party in Parish Hall!

Easter joy will continue on Sunday, with Festival Eucharists at all our regularly scheduled times. Joyful receptions will follow each liturgy in Parish Hall.

All of this – love and sacrifice, darkness and light, death and then life – all of this is meant to be faced and embraced together.

With you,

Scott+
The Rev. R. Scott Painter, Rector
Email: ScottP@stmaa.org

Easter 2024

Dear Siblings in Christ,

Recently, we have enjoyed some glorious sunshine and warm weather. Though I don’t much mind clouds, cold or rain, I am nonetheless delighted! It turns out I had forgotten about the power of changing seasons to inspire new possibilities and hope. Every turning brings its own farewells and greetings, but none perhaps more striking than Winter giving way to Spring.

Now, there are buds on nearly every tree, blossoms and blooms abound, and bulbs pop up with their thick green sheaths and shocks of purple, yellow, and white (and more colors to come)! I’ve been thinking about those bulbs—their life cradled by the ground during winter now past. But if they stay in their dark refuge when warmth and light beckon, the dirt becomes a tomb—no more a place of safety but of death and decay. Now, the life that was lying dormant is called forth into the light, each to reflect that light in their own unique, fanciful, phantasmagorical way.

As Easter dawns, I pray we can hear the Good News of what is possible now. The life we as Christians celebrate is the most alive of all—no longer subject to death, but springing from beneath the surface and reflecting the light that awakens everyone and everything. This is a transformation like no other, and it bursts forth to grow and spread as a perennial goodness.

“This blessing was not content in its confinement.” Like the blessing, we are called to break free from the shackles of doubt and despair, to embrace the boundless possibilities of renewal. As we breathe the fresh air of the coming morn, we ourselves emerge from the darkness and raise our voices in the blessing. “Risen. Risen. Risen.” This is the proclamation of Easter, the resounding announcement of hope. May this Easter season fill our hearts with renewed faith and stir our souls with rising hope. Together, let us journey forth, guided by the light of the risen Christ.

With you,

The Rev. R. Scott Painter, Rector