Dean's Remarks

Each year, Holy Week is a sacred reminder of the roller coaster of emotions experienced by Jesus’ disciples –

• The triumphant high of Palm Sunday (with a bit of a surprise that the King arrives on a donkey, instead of in a chariot or on a fancy horse!)

• The comfort of a lingering family-style dinner with close friends

• The secret betrayal by a dinner guest which leads to the arrest, speedy trial, conviction, and crucifixion of Jesus

• Christ’s labored and agonizing death amidst two thieves

• His quick burial in a borrowed tomb

• A Saturday of silence, shock, and mourning at how quickly the world of Jesus’ family, disciples, and followers had changed

• Early morning Sunday, Christ arose and revealed himself to Mary Magdalene and the “other Mary” at the tomb, others on the road, and the disciples on the mountain

• The unbelievable message of His resurrection, the scurrying and telling of the story, and many individual making trips to the burial site to see for themselves
  

What a poignant reminder for each of us in 2022, amidst so much emotion, turmoil, and change –

• The terrors of the war in Ukraine

• The beginning of year 3 of the impact of COVID and its variants

• Economic recession

• The emotional impact of long-delayed visits with distant loved ones

• Fatigue

• General and specific anxiety

• Employer downsizing

• Polarized communities

• Loss of relationships through death and isolation

• US political tensions

When I look at the first list – realizing the rapid change that occurred between Thursday night’s betrayal after the last supper together to Friday’s crucifixion to Saturday’s silence to Sunday’s glorious resurrection – I have renewed optimism for us today.

• God is with us through each challenge

• He has not forsaken His people

• In the twinkling of an eye, things can change

• Whatever we carry as our burdens and fears – they are real, but He is faithful.

Wherever you are in the emotions of Holy Week, Easter Sunday is a joyful reminder of God’s power and faithfulness. He is risen! He is risen indeed!

Easter blessings,

Anita