Three Days
We have made our entry into the Paschal (Passover) mystery of Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection. Much of the global Church will mark these days in the observance of a liturgy known as the Triduum (“Three Days”). Beginning on Maundy Thursday with the institution of the Lord’s Supper, Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, and the veiling of the altar. Continuing on Good Friday as we reflect upon on our Savior crucified, hanging from a cross; a day of despair that we look upon with a grief and contrition that leads us into gratitude, reverence, and awe by this cosmic embodiment of God’s love. Then the waiting of Saturday as we sit vigil, the long waiting between death and resurrection is the space which most resonates with our world, a place of both wondrous light and unfathomable darkness. But we hold to hope, because Sunday is coming…
As we prepare together, here are some ways that you may choose to engage:
Maundy Thursday
Read
John 13:1-15
Exodus 12: 1-32
Mark 14
Listen
Spotify Playlist - Maundy Thursday
Practice
During last Sunday’s Home Group gathering, we engaged in the practice of foot-washing. Consider observing a similar practice today, whether alongside your family, or as a moment of sacred solitude with God.
Ask
How might I be of service to friend, neighbor, and stranger? (Jerusalem, Judea, to the “ends” of the earth)
How might I empathize with Judas, responding in rebellion, fear, or simply because the road had grown too difficult to continue trusting in Jesus? He too had spent the past three years traveling and learning among the disciples; a reminder that simply being near Jesus doesn’t necessarily mean we are being formed by him.
Good Friday
Read
Isaiah 53
Mark 15
Listen
Spotify Playlist - Good Friday
Practice
As most of you know (if you’re reading this, I’m assuming), I served for many years on the team of Ecclesia Houston, and often had the blessed opportunity to help conceptualize a yearly engagement with the death of Jesus that would take on a different collaborative form year-to-year, drawing from the faith and diverse talents of many, we would enter the story anew. Though we will not be hosting our own gathering in the Meadows (that will change), I would love for any of our Vessel folk who would like to join in attending the 6pm service at Ecclesia on the West Side (325 Piney Point in the Memorial Villages) along with Lauren and I to do so! Let me know
Watch
During one such season several years ago, an idea struck (shout out to my friend Andrew Hebert) that I brought to my then-colleague Josh Moore, who edited what you will see below. The clip is drawn from the closing moments of Robert Bresson’s 1966 film Au Hasard Balthazar, which follows the journey of a humble (and often mistreated) donkey from owner to owner. We found that it beautifully mirrors the language of Isaiah 53, which points to the suffering servant for whom Israel was watching and waiting in the hope of liberation. The voices you’ll hear are those of several Ecclesia kids at the time. The one who would leave the ninety-nine to find the one lays down to rest among the sheep…
Ask
If I am to embrace the fullness of the Resurrection, what in me needs to die, so that new life can emerge? Perhaps you will share that confession with God alone, or perhaps you will go to a partner or trusted friend for support in naming the intention you hope to walk in renewed faith and freedom.
