Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
“Go to dark Gethsemane, ye that feel the tempter’s power;
Your Redeemer’s conflict see, watch with him one bitter hour;
Turn not from his griefs away, learn of Jesus Christ to pray.”
(Hymn 171, verse 1)
Our Annual Meeting was on the last Sunday of Epiphany. This was my first real opportunity to see you, the Congregation, as a group. What wonderful people you are! You worship here in English and in Spanish. You give so generously of your resources, time and talent. Thank you! You are full of God’s Spirit.
Now, as we approach Holy Week, we turn our hearts to Christ. How can we deepen this relationship? Will we have the courage to stay awake with Christ in the Garden and to follow him to Calvary?
Our Sub-Dean Alan Dennis+ wrote a beautiful piece in February’s Crossings about the Triduum, the three holy days of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday, culminating in the evening celebration of the Easter Vigil. These ancient liturgies allow us to participate in real time in the powerful events surrounding The Last Supper and Christ’s arrest, crucifixion and resurrection.
We invite you to join us in these services of worship: to allow your feet to be washed as Christ washed the feet of his disciples, to rejoice in the institution of Holy Eucharist which we Christians have shared with each other for centuries, to witness the Blessed Sacrament being carried in procession to the Baptistry and to stand quietly in the darkened Cathedral as the altar is stripped and washed. Perhaps this year you will keep vigil with us throughout the night into the early hours of Good Friday. Perhaps you will join us on Good Friday as we listen to scripture and pray for all humanity, venerate Christ’s cross and stand there with his mother and beloved disciple. Perhaps you will enter the darkened Cathedral quietly on the eve of Easter, being surprised again by the new fire that is struck, by the simple light of the Pascal Candle that illumines our path, and by the ancient song of the Exsultet that calls all creation to rejoice in the miracle of Christ’s resurrection. Join us as we ponder the great beauty of this season, the music, the incense, the words, the drama, the architecture, Christ’s Holy Presence in the bread and in the wine, and the joy of being the Body of Christ in community.
“Calvary’s mournful mountain climb; there, adoring at his feet,
Mark the miracle of time, God’s own sacrifice complete;
“It is finished!” hear him cry; learn of Jesus Christ to die.”
In the midst of darkness, may your hearts be open to the blinding light of resurrection.
Blessings and love,
Vicki+
Canon Pastor and Vicar
