A look ahead at Holy Week.
Dear friends and members of St. Matt's,
Next week, we'll take our journey through the last days of Jesus' life on earth. It's the most important week in the life of a Christian. Through worship, we have the opportunity to watch Jesus make his way to the cross, to listen to his last words, to wait for him at the tomb. This season of social distance and separation is an interesting time for us to take the journey from Palm Sunday to Easter. This time will afford us a different lens, a different perspective on the story and sacrifice of Jesus, a chance to see it anew. It will remind us that even when the journey before us is long and difficult, God's promise to the faithful is always good, better than we could have asked or imagined. So together, we will make our way to Easter Sunday, to hear God's good news, news that we all need so much to hear right now.
While I would much rather share this journey with you in person, the week that we've planned online will give you many opportunities to worship and participate. And I hope that it will help you grow in your faith. Tomorrow (Friday), you'll get a first email preparing you for the week ahead. It will include our schedule of worship and music as well as a special invitation to participate in something in your home that will connect you to the rest of the community at St. Matt's who are worshipping in their own homes. Whether you live alone, or are surrounded by family, take this journey with us. You'll hear more about this as the week goes on. And I hope you'll join us in this interactive, communal journey as well as for moments of connection, and the live broadcasts of our Artist in Residence.
Easter, my friends, is not a day. It is a 50 day long season, ending with Pentecost on June 7th. (It's also a frame of mind, but that's for a different note on a different day!) While I cannot promise this will be true, it is my fervent hope that at some point in those 50 days, we will be able to gather together safely and in person. What an Easter celebration that will be. Until then, continue to walk with us as God walks with you. Be in touch if you need anything. And know that you are in my prayers every day. God loves you, and so do I.
Faithfully,
--Marissa +
If you're wondering about that great image at the top, it's a fresco in the ancient church of St. Germain-des-prés in Paris. The image shows us the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, the story we remember on Palm Sunday. The Abbey was founded in the 6th century, and the fresco is from the mid 1800's. St. Germain is a particular favorite of mine, and I took the picture a few years ago just before coming home and moving to Wilton. In fact, they have a picture of that fresco on their website right now advertising Holy Week!
Tags: Welcome from the Rector