Holding to the outward form of godliness but denying its power. (2 Timothy2 3:5)

This warning among a collection of warnings to the early church speaks to me as we enter the sacred heart of the liturgical calendar— Holy Week. How does a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the faith approach this week? How can one follow the promptings of the Spirit to avoid going through the motions? What part of the passion story speaks afresh to human existence in general and my life in particular?
 
Let me humbly offer several ways that might help us in our spiritual mindfulness this week.
 
First, try latching onto a particular character in the passion account. Simon Peter is an interesting case in point as he wavers between commitment and denial. Think about Peter’s role and reactions to the events around him. What can we learn about ourselves in tracking Peter’s actions and words? Second, view all the events of Holy Week through the lens of a certain hymn. In recent years, I have found inspiration through the imagery of There in God’s Garden (ELW #342). The hymn places the individual events and significance of the cross within a unifying, artistic perspective. Third, compare the deep and universal significance of Christ’s cross with the dangerous ways persons and groups have twisted the meaning of the cross. For those who wish to explore this historical clash, I would recommend James Cone’s work titled The Cross and the Lynching Tree. Finally, do something to benefit your neighbor in need this week. As a part of my responsibilities on the board of LifeTies, Inc., I have chosen to have dinner with the women and children at Rainbow House in Trenton on Tuesday evening. I’m thinking supper with chronically ill young mothers and their children might have some connection to the Lord’s Supper.
 
As we move through this week, let us encourage one another to be more spiritually mindful in our liturgical devotion. Let us pray for one another that we may avoid simply going through the motions and holding to the outward form of godliness..

Let us pray ...
Thanks to Christ whose passion offers in mercy— healing, strength, and pardon. Peoples and nations, take it, take it freely! Amen! My Master! (ELW #342, stanza 6)

Contributed by Pastor Dan
Monday April 14, 2014
Liturgical Year A: Week 20
Liturgical Color: white
Sunday Gospel reading:
Palm Sunday