Composing a Corporate Confession
Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our journey through Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, just a few days from now. The point of returning to these stories (and any story) in Holy Scripture, is that we might be reminded these stories belong not just to a time long ago, but to us, and to this time. As we re-read the Passion narrative, fuss with palms, wash one another’s feet, and gather around the cross before sunrise on Easter morning, we seek to catch a glimpse of not just what it meant in a time long ago, but to do the work of translation—what does it means for us, today. My hope for each of you is that you might find a way to enter into the drama as though you were immersed in your favorite novel, or in attendance at a mesmerizing play. If you are traveling for Spring Break next week, as many are, perhaps you can find time to simply listen or re-read these familiar stories with a sense of curiosity about what they might have to offer you this year.
As a beginning to this journey, all are invited to join this Sunday in a time of giving shape to all that needs confessing within the universal church. During the season of Lent many parishioner read and discussed “The Church Cracked Open.” One of the immediate takeaways from the opportunity to reflect on the pandemic and awakening to racial injustice, is our need to make a corporate confession. This Sunday, everyone is encouraged to gather in the parish hall at 11:30 AM to participate in an exercise of composing words using our own understanding of that which needs confessing, naming, and blessing. These prayers will appear in our liturgy on Good Friday. While the idea to participate in this act of crafting corporate worship came out of the Lenten book study, all in the parish are welcome to participate on Sunday.
The way of the cross is, as our collect reminds us, the way of life and peace. My prayer is that whatever route your journey takes this Holy Week, you may find yourself in awe of the sacrificial love we encounter in Jesus.