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Easter reflections – Day 3
“I want to know Christ – yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” Day 1 – - – Day 2 – - – Day 3 – - – Day 4 – - – Day 5 – - – Day 6 – - – Day 7 – - – Day 8 – - -> As we continue our journey along the Stations of the Cross, find a few minutes to consider these images, and what they mean. The questions and quotes below may help. How will they shape the way you see the world today? 5. Simon helps Jesus Roman soldiers had the power to force people into service for a time. The gospels record that this happened to a man in transit, Simon from Cyrene (a Jewish city in Libya, northern Africa.) We do not know why Simon had come to Jerusalem, but it is quite likely that he had travelled to share the Passover. This annual festival commemorated God sparing Israel from the death which would punish Egyptians for their enslavement of God’s people. The blood of an unblemished sacrificial lamb would mark out God’s peoples’ houses, and a Jewish family would feast on the lamb. Celebrating Passover in Jerusalem was a lifelong ambition for all Jews, and worth a month-long journey across dangerous deserts and seas for Simon. However, before he has even arrived in town, he is forced to pick up a bloodied cross which would have made him unclean, and unable to take part in the Passover, or so he thought. How angry would Simon have been – after all the time and sacrifice needed for his journey, to be denied the chance to share the feast? How do we feel when our plans are interrupted or spoiled? Did Simon know who Jesus was? Did he see a man or God’s unblemished lamb? Did he shrink back at the touch of ordinary blood and flesh, or was he touched by God’s provision of a feast and forgiveness? As the mysterious promise of Passover was being made real, helped by Simon’s service, when would he realise that he had not been excluded, but had become central to God’s plan? How does service look to us? Even when we are forced into it, can we imagine the effect God might be having through us? 6. Veronica helps Jesus Some say she was the woman whose faith led her to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment to receive healing from him. Legend has it that the veil she used to wipe Jesus’ face became imprinted with his image. One story even suggests that this piece of cloth was later used to heal a Roman Emporer. A lot of stories flow from this simple idea – that a person who loves and meets Jesus might be forever blessed by him. Do we want to see the face of Jesus? How would this change us if we did? What would we take away from a close, personal encounter with Jesus? What would we bring to it? Are we ready to serve in a practical way? How will we ever get an opportunity to serve Jesus? He taught his followers in the form of a story: “[The King will say...] “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ “ (Matthew 25 verses 35 to 40) Walk with us Day 1 – - – Day 2 – - – Day 3 – - – Day 4 – - – Day 5 – - – Day 6 – - – Day 7 – - – Day 8 – - -> Considering these things alone can be valuable, but daunting. When we walk through this together, we can find strength. So you are invited to join us and walk the Stations of the Cross at Saint Stephens. Tuesday 7th – 5.30pm – Praying the Stations of the Cross, reflecting together amidst challenge and trial Wednesday 8th – 1.00pm – Praying the Stations of the Cross Thursday 9th – 5.30pm – “Last Supper” together, with food and friendship leading into reflection and meditation, preparing critical.mass to share communion Good Friday 10th – stillness and space from noon, then Praying the Stations of the Cross from 2pm Holy Saturday 11th – 8.30pm – Celebrating the Mystery together with signs of the resurrection, the first communion of Easter, and the chants and sounds of mystery, hope and transformation Easter Sunday 12th – 10.30am – Celebration of Easter, simply, with the cafe, garden, flowers, communion (and Easter eggs!) Want to ask a question or share a thought? As well as joining us in person, you can email easter@saint-stephens.com Please indicate if your comments are private or for sharing, and we would love to hear from you.
Bern Leckie, Development administrator, Saint Stephens One Response to “Easter reflections – Day 3”Leave a Reply |
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April 7th, 2009 at 6:40 am
Hello Everybody,
Wishing you a happy Easter,
I am actually looking for A Comminion Reflection for use after Holy Communion on Easter Saturay night’s Vigil Mass