April 4 - Eucatastrophe

Holy Saturday

At the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter

Tonight's Readings

• Genesis 1.1-2.2
• Genesis 22.1-18
• Exodus 14.15-15.1
• Isaiah 54.5-14
• Isaiah 55.1-11
• Baruch 3.9-15, 32c 4.4
• Ezekiel 36.16-17a, 18-28
• Romans 6.3-11
• Mark 16.1-7

Today's Reflection
Eucatastrophe  

This strange word was coined by J.R.R. Tolkien. In a letter to his son, he describes it as "the sudden happy turn in a story which pierces you with a joy that brings tears (which I argued it is the highest function of fairy-stories to produce). And I was there led to the view that it produces its peculiar effect because it is a sudden glimpse of Truth, your whole nature chained in material cause and effect, the chain of death, feels a sudden relief as if a major limb out of joint had suddenly snapped back. It perceives – if the story has literary 'truth' on the second plane (....) – that this is indeed how things really do work in the Great World for which our nature is made. And I concluded by saying that the Resurrection was the greatest 'eucatastrophe' possible in the greatest Fairy Story – and produces that essential emotion: Christian joy which produces tears because it is qualitatively so like sorrow, because it comes from those places where Joy and Sorrow are at one, reconciled, as selfishness and altruism are lost in Love."

The overwhelming tragedy of the Passion and death of Jesus take the incomprehensible change to absolute, perfect, heavenly joy with his Resurrection.  That which should have been the absolute end of all hope became the very foundation upon which to build our joyful hope.

May you find hope and joy with this moment of eucatastrophe. May you encounter God anew in his risen form. May your Easter be blessed.

Jenn

April 3 - Where Is Hope

Good Friday of the Lord's Passion

Today's Readings

• Isaiah 52.13-53.12
• Psalm 31
• Hebrews 14.14-16; 5.7-9
• John 18.1-19:42

Today's Reflection

Today we face that point in the story that brings tears. The unimaginable tragedy of a horrific torture and death on a cross. The loss of our God and King at the hands of the very people he came to save. It seems like all hope is lost, that all that Christ came to do was for nothing. Yet we have not finished the Triduum journey...perhaps the immense sorrow will turn to joy...

It is a day I associate with silence. What else can be said or done on a day when the greatest sacrifice, the greatest act of love was done? I always try to carve out a bit of time, a bit of silence.

Today is a day of fasting, abstinence from meat. Today is a day to spend more time in prayer and reflection. If you have not done so, see if there are some creature comforts, entertainments, or other conveniences you could forgo for the day. Take that time you would otherwise spend watching TV or reading the latest best seller to join in prayer, to reflect on the sacrifice made for you. 

Today you are invited to join us at St. Francis for the Living Way of the Cross presentation at noon, Liturgy of our Lord's Passion 1:30 p.m., Evening Prayer 6:30

April 2 - I Don't Realize

Holy Thursday

Tonight's Readings

• Exodus 12.1-8, 11-14
• Psalm 116
• 1 Corinthians 11.23-26
• John 13.1-15

Today's Reflection

“Do you realize what I have done for you?" This question that Jesus poses to the Apostles resonates with me. I know that the safe assumption is to answer it with, "No." I think if I really understood all that Jesus did and does for me, I would be utterly and completely overwhelmed and transformed. Because if I understood all that he does for me I would have to respond. I would have to change, to live in a revolutionary manner, I would have to enter into worship in a whole new and deeper way. It is easier to nod, smile, say thank you and carry on. I need to do better. I challenge you to join me in entering into the Triduum, these three holy days of the paschal mystery, with the challenge of more fully responding to all that God did and does for each of us.

Jenn

April 1 - Anger vs Love

Wednesday of Holy Week

Today's Readings

• Isaiah 50.4-9a
• Psalm 69
• Matthew 26.14-25
  

Today's Reflection

One of the teachings that I’ve always struggled with is the expectation that we “love our enemies”.  It’s just so much easier, and so much more satisfying, to respond with anger, or to seek revenge rather than giving my back to those who beat me...  But Jesus lives his message of forgiveness and shows kindness even towards those who treat him horrifically.  The next time I am wronged by an “enemy,” can I find the strength to try to follow his lead?

Kelly G.

March 31 - Tough Times

Tuesday of Holy Week

Today's Readings

•  Isaiah 49.1-6
• Psalm 71
• John 13.21-33, 36-38

Today's Reflection

Jesus is described today as “deeply troubled,” which seems like quite an understatement.  Already facing imminent torture and death, he now must also deal with the fact that two of his closest friends will soon betray him, and the rest will run away and abandon him.  Having friends to lean on makes it a little easier to get through life’s hard times; losing that support is heart-breaking.  Here’s a man who was loved and admired by so many people, yet needed a total stranger to help carry his cross.  I hope that I can be a good friend to those I love when the “going gets tough”.

Kelly G.

March 30 - Ordinary Generosity

Monday of Holy Week

Today's Readings

• Isaiah 42.1-7
• Psalm 27
• John 12.1-11

Today's Reflection

Today’s gospel contains a quote that is often misinterpreted as Jesus dismissing efforts to help the poor.  In fact, he is referencing Deuteronomy:

“…do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother.  Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs… Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.  There will always be poor people in the land.  Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.”  (Deut 15:7-11)

Jesus is reinforcing God’s commandment that we generously care for the poor, but he presents it as nothing unusual, just an everyday responsibility.  He contrasts that with the special (and temporary) occasion of his presence among them, which justifies Mary’s extravagance.

Kelly G.

 

March 29 - The Colt Tethered

Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion

Today's Readings

• Mark 11.1-10 or John 12.12-16
• Isaiah 50.4-7
• Psalm 22
• Philippians 2.6-11
• Mark 14.1-15.47

Today's Reflection 

The"colt tethered" is unbound for service to God

"The Master has need of it and will send it back here at once.”

When our Master is ready we will be untied and return to him at once.

Today, the Master has need of you and me. Our service and worship is a valuable testimony. Share your faith everyday. Talk about what Jesus is doing in your life today.

Truly this man was the Son of God! At the name of Jesus every knee should bend and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Follow him?
Betray him?
Surely it is not I?

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Who forsakes who?

“Abba, Father, all things are possible to you.
Take this cup away from me,
but not what I will but what you will.”

Scott W.