Holy Week Reflection <3

Holy Week is a very beautiful time of year. Every service this week remembers the events that lead to Christ's crucifixion and His glorious resurrection. As beautiful as this week is, we may also struggle spiritually; we may feel disconnected from Christ, it may feel like any other normal week, and we may not have reached the goals we set for ourselves during Lent. That's okay; if this upcoming week is uncomfortable and challenging, we can take comfort in the fact that Christ also struggled during this week. If we feel far from Him, it is not for us to be discouraged, rather, it is for us to be encouraged by our spiritual struggle. After all, He died so that when we feel these tough moments, we are reminded that His grace and mercy fills the parts of us that are empty from those challenges. 

As you go to church throughout the week and have your own Holy Week experience, think about these events as events happening in real time. Imagine having welcomed Christ today as He arrived in Jerusalem. Sit with Him in the Garden of Gethsemane when He prays. Be one of the witnesses to His arrests when He is turned over to the Romans. Walk with Him as He walks His crucifixion walk despite the fear and sorrow that comes with it. Help Him carry the Cross as Simon of Cyrene did.

Finally, when midnight hits and we are able to sing, "Christ is risen", think about Mary Magdalene: despite whatever fears lay ahead of her, she felt the hope and joy when Christ called her by name in the empty tomb. The personal relationship she had with Christ is our inspiration to remember that we each have our own personal relationship with Christ. He calls our name - even during those moments when we feel as though He is not there. Mary ran to the disciples and informed them about His resurrection, serving as the disciple to the disciples. We too are called to spread the good news - with the fear of God, with faith, and with love, let's all draw near to the foot of the Cross this week, together.