Kurts Reflection 4-8-2023

I don't want to go into the holiest day of the year without some thoughts for you. We are blessed that Fr. Kirtley is our celebrant tomorrow and we know he will lead us perfectly on this the most important day of the church calendar. And, we know we can count on a lively, informative and very spiritual message during his sermon and throughout the service.  

Holy Week, if I'm honest, has always been difficult for me. I'm not completely positive why, though I did get a hint from Fr. Kirtley at Maundy Thursday supper when he said 'holy week is a rough road, and it's supposed to be!' I hadn't thought of the fact that the church counts on us to live fully into this week; walk the path with Jesus; experience the ups and downs of triumph (Palm Sunday), devastation (Good Friday), and joy of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday.

I love the way Fr. Kirtley described the 'rough road' of Holy Week, and that he reminded us it's supposed to be a rough road. While that doesn't provide much solace, per se, it isn't supposed to. It's supposed to remind us that this being a follower of Jesus is hard work, constant work, relentless work.  This thing we call the Simple Jesus Way isn't the way only of easter egg hunts and Easter dresses and new suits (though those are fun). It's the way of service and commitment to Him, of course, and to those he called us to serve in his name...everybody else.

Ah, everybody else. There is the key to the Simple Jesus Way...service to EVERYBODY else...that is what makes Holy Week hard for me. I say I'm following him but then, well, I don't, if you know what I mean. I don't remember to call that friend who has had trouble lately. I don't remember to plan that Facetime call with my granddaughter in Atlanta. I don't set time aside to just sit and pray and say thank you for all that the reason for the Simple Jesus Way --Jesus-- has done for me. I forget to say thank you for Christ Church, our little spiritual oasis in the midst of the world's turmoil, that provides a place for community, love and service, and dare I say, fun.

While guilt would be a natural emotion when considering my shortcomings in following him, I think the right emotion for me is just plain gratitude. Gratitude for all Jesus has done for me and mine, and gratitude for the week the church has set aside to remind me of all he has done and all I still have to do. Gratitude for all of you, Anna and my Christ Church family. We love you so much.

Perhaps you too might want to sit for a few minutes today and think about all you are grateful for, including the people in your life. I think that would be a great Holy Saturday exercise leading into Easter Sunday.

He is Risen!  See you tomorrow,

Kurt+