By VERNA BROCK
As I write today, it is Palm Sunday on the Christian calendar, ushering in Holy Week for believers. We celebrated Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, with near hedonistic abandon in preparation for Ash Wednesday, nearly 40 days ago. Now we’re on the cusp of Easter.
This morning, worshippers across the country, of every denomination, placed palm fronds upon altars commemorating Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem. Knowing full well what awaited Him there, Jesus rode through the streets accompanied by jubilant followers who proclaimed Him “Messiah!”
As we prepare to observe His Passion, death and resurrection, let us also remember God’s design in all of this is to reconcile His creation back unto Himself, and us to one another. Can we extend the same loving grace we have received? I think we must, if we’re to be true followers of Jesus.
Remember, those same crowds hailing Him as King would turn on Him in a scant few days. Crying for His crucifixion when they realized He hadn’t come to vanquish Rome, they couldn’t grasp He would vanquish death and sin. Are we like those fickle crowds? We say we believe in Him, in God’s mercy and grace. Yet, we often turn away from those who need grace extended to them the most. Sometimes, those people are the ones closest to us.
On the eve of the Jewish sabbath, Good Friday, Christ gazed upon his tormentors. The Roman soldiers and Jewish clerics gathered there to witness His death, heard Him ask His father to forgive them. Imagine their shock and consternation! Are we prepared to forgive, truly forgive, those who wrong us? It can seem impossible, and sometimes anguishing, to forgive those who hurt us. It just isn’t an easy thing to do.
If you have ever experienced genuine reconciliation with a loved one after being estranged, you know how precious it is. To embrace, and be embraced, is a healing of the deepest sort. The Parable of The Prodigal Son demonstrates a father’s love and a brother’s reluctant gift of grace. What parent wouldn’t rush to embrace a child once considered lost? Who among us doesn’t relate to the brother’s resentment? How human is their story, how divine the reconciliation.
God’s mercy and grace can empower us, through His love, to begin the process of forgiveness. God’s will for us is to be deeply, fully reconciled. To walk in companionship with our Creator, as cherished children would with a father. But He also desires us to live in peace and harmony with one another, extending the same gifts of mercy and grace we have received. How wonderful to relinquish the burden of anger and condemnation!
So, as we experience Holy Week once more, consider how God’s grace has eased your heart, and how extending grace to others can ease theirs. Can we see our fellow travellers as Jesus sees them, to love them the way He does? If we do, little by little, we can find the grace necessary to forgive, love and be reconciled to those who have wronged us. There is a blessed freedom in grace.
As we rise on Easter morning, with joyful anticipation of the resurrection, give thanks for God’s love, mercy and grace. Share it with everyone you meet!
There are a number of upcoming events and special services this week. The Wakulla and Woodville United Methodist Churches will join at Wakulla for a Maundy Thursday communion service at 6 p.m. On Saturday morning at the Woodville UMC there will be an Easter egg hunt at 11 a.m., followed by a lunch for the participants. Sunday morning the Wakulla UMC will have a sunrise service at 7:15 a.m.; the Woodville UMC will have a traditional service at 11:15 a.m.. All are invited to join in the celebration!
Next Monday evening there will be a non-partisan Town Hall Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Wakulla Community Center in Crawfordville. Former Congressman Allen Boyd will be an honored guest as we seek answers to citizen questions about proposed changes in government policies, funding and agencies. Please join us for this informational event.
Please remember those amongst us who are struggling with loss, illness, and sorrow. Your prayers are deeply coveted and appreciated.