A Very Unusual Holy Week

 Today is Tuesday in Holy Week. It is the fifteenth time here in Fivemiletown, that I have made the journey with you towards Jerusalem and Good Friday.  

 Sometimes we ask ourselves as a family where on earth the years have gone...but I suspect that's a sign of age common to us all. 

 This Holy Week has been unlike any other. Guest speakers have been cancelled, there are no lists of service sheets to print, no Holy Communion celebrated at homes across the parish, no Good Friday Kids' Brunch or special music rehearsed or flowers arranged. 

 Instead, I won't complain inwardly on Good Friday that the world goes on without noticing this special day, because the world isn't going on as usual. I won't wonder how few might turn up at this week's services, because I know exactly how many will be present. 

 Things are very much not usual. How much British society will notice the day, who can tell, but society must be starting to ask very big questions about the frailty of life, and our place in this world. I found myself saying today, that if after all of this, we do not waken up to God's presence in our lives, then we truly are as St Paul puts it, 'dead in our trespasses and sins.' Ephesians 2:1

 I wonder to what things I too need to waken?  Without the structure and support of Holy Week's endless busyness and church events, how much will I draw near to God? 

 So far, I'm glad to see the signs of Spring bursting out of its winter sleep. 
Easter has been perfectly timed, and yellow and orange and white daffodils are dancing in most places. Butterflies have appeared, and I'm convinced I saw a swallow today. Is that even possible? 

 Pastoral calls go on by phone or video, conference calls are tried with other committees and groups, and we even had the very great privilege of the Archbishop-elect of Armagh recording his Easter message and service of Holy Communion, in our little church at Kiltermon. 
An unusual Holy Week indeed.

 But in the quieter moments, enforced or chosen, I'm glad of a book pictured above, entitled 
'You Are Mine.' I hadn't lifted it until now, but the bishop of Manchester's word's are gripping and simple and true. On Tuesday, today, as well as writing about Judas, one who betrayed Jesus, 
he reflects on his own life and failings before God. 

 'I know that I am a far-from-prefect human being. While I see that behaviour readily in others , 
I know that I cannot be exempt from it myself. Am I guilty of saying sometimes to Him, 
'I will follow You but only as long as it is by this particular route or to that specific destination?' p144. 

 David Walkers' book is very worth reading, probably only available online at the present time, but it nudges and prods me to think in ways that the usual routines of this week would not have allowed.

 There is very much to be concerned for in these strange days. There are many for whom I must pray, and many with whom to keep in contact. We are not sure what the next weeks might look like.
But we also have the privilege of this week, where whether together as a church or not, we are able to draw near to God for ourselves, confident of the encouragement of our fellow pilgrims in every place.
This is a very unusual Holy Week, but is is holy week none the less.

It is a time which God orders, and in it we are able to journey again in our hearts with His Son
as He made His way to Jerusalem for us.
Amen.























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