As we journey through Holy Week, in the final days of our pilgrimage with Jesus to the cross and empty tomb, we may feel a mix of expectation and apprehension. The story of Jesus’ betrayal, arrest, and death is not easy to hear because it pains us to remember the pain he suffered for our sakes. Yet this story is also one of deep and steadfast love, bringing to mind the words of the hymn,
Oh, the deep, deep love of Jesus—
Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free—
Rolling as a mighty ocean
In its fullness over me!
Underneath me, all around me
Is the current of his love—
Leading onward, leading homeward
To his glorious rest above.
As you prepare for the solemnity of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, I encourage you to meditate on the deep, deep love of Jesus. How has his love touched you? Helped you? Guided you?
Then, join us Thursday in worship to taste his love in bread and cup, and Friday to recall his love poured out on the cross, and at last on Sunday morning, to witness to his love breaking the bonds of sin and death, rising victorious from the grave.
The deep, deep love of Jesus is for you and for me, and these days provide a powerful opportunity for us to grow in love for God and for our neighbors.
Now may your pilgrimage be blessed and may you find yourself led by the vast, unmeasured, boundless, free love of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.
Pastor Laura
