Perhaps it is the stage of my life, a year of events that influence my perception. For instance, being newly married I was more aware of the relationship between Joseph and Mary this past Christmas, particularly the strength and courage of Joseph as he took on this unique family. This Easter the brightness of hope shines upon me as my earthly family is forced to confront mortality.
Last night in the Maundy Thursday service I watched the altar be stripped bare of its ornamentation. Piece by piece the rector removed each component. I watched as a line of women, clothed in black came slowly, one by one to the altar to take away each chalice, linen, crucifix, candle stick, and vase. Then they took the priest's outer vestments and the altar was left bare-a blank wooden table, with a single overhead light, in a darkened church, while violin and organ played their haunting duet. Lastly, they placed upon the altar table a crown of thorns, a stark and somber reminder of the arrest yet to come, and they read us the account of the watch of Gethesame. I keenly felt the loss as our altar was systematically disassembled. They weren't just taking away things, but vestiges of a life, The Life.
The next few days will be pierced by solemnity and remembrance just as one mourns the loss of a loved one; yet we remember that the resurrection is coming. In faith we secure our hope, knowing this separation is only temporary until we are reunited with the Lord. And what a reunion it is, and was, and will be- full of wonder and joy and understanding as the glory of God is revealed.
We press on in Hope, not as wishful thinking, but in "confident expectation," in the assured goodness of our God who so loved the world that He sent His only Son.
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