The Practice of Belonging
Photograph by Beth A. Richardson / Camp McDowell, Alabama “Ubuntu ... speaks of the very essence Read More
David Wilson | Read Matthew 27:57-66
I think of the types of loss that we face in our lives. Some losses are expected after long illnesses, and some losses are sudden. In whatever way death comes, we are never fully prepared for it. We face the various forms of grief that are natural to all of...
Creator God, give me words of hope to speak to those who are grieving this day. Amen.
Although we anticipate the celebration of Easter, this week’s readings remind us to slow down and walk through Holy Week. The passage from Hebrews recalls the suffering of Jesus on the Cross, and Psalm 36 provides poetic imagery of the suffering servant. Both lead us to keep our focus on Jesus. The readings from John and Matthew guide us through the emotions of Jesus’ journey to the Cross—betrayal, conflict, denial, and hope. These themes guide us along the journey of Holy Week and empower our Easter response: to share the story of resurrection and to live out the command to love one another.
Read Isaiah 42:1-9. How have you responded to God’s call on your life? How often has that call changed?
Read Psalm 36:5-11. What would your poem to God look like this week?
Read Hebrews 12:1-3. How do you stay focused on Jesus? What imagery in this passage do you think relates to staying focused?
Read Matthew 28:1-10. Think about a time that you had good news to share and could not keep it to yourself.
Respond by posting a prayer.