Thoughts About Holy Week

Today Christians all over the world are celebrating Maundy Thursday, the day that begins the commemoration of the betrayal, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. The name Maundy Thursday comes from the Latin mandatum – Jesus’ mandate in John 13:34 “Mandatum novum do vobis ut diligatis invicem sicut dilexi vos” (A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you).

This season of the year, which includes Easter, Passover and Earth Day, has also seen some of humanity’s worst offenses, such as the Columbine Shootings and the Oklahoma City Bombing. In the wake of the recent tragedies in Binghamton, New York, where 13 people were killed in a shooting at the American Civic Association Building, and this week’s earthquake in the Italian region of Abruzzo that killed nearly 300 people, the mandatum of Maundy Thursday becomes even more important.

As we move from betrayal to death and finally to the promise of new life, may God’s love be our companion on the journey. Take time to tell family and friends that you love them; make an effort to heal relationships, and look for ways to help others who are not as fortunate. And remember the sacrifice and redemption that we celebrate this week.

And if you are in Rochester, please join me at one or all of the worship services at Third Presbyterian Church on East Avenue.

Thursday, April 9 at 7:00 pm
Tenebrae (Service of Darkness) is an ancient tradition observing the darkness of Christ’s passion and death before the celebration the resurrection

Friday, April 10 at 12:10 pm
Good Friday Liturgy in the Chapel

Sunday, April 12 at 9:00 and 11:00 am
Festival Easter Worship Service with choirs, brass and bells