From the Interim Dean and Priest-in-Charge
Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord.
Come journey with us this week.
This Sunday begins Holy Week with the waving of palms and at 10am a short procession around the block singing All Glory Laud and Honor. We gather to remember the final week in the life and love of Jesus in human form on earth, some two millennia ago. During both services, The Passion According to Luke will be read by members of St. John’s Cathedral as Jesus walks the way of the cross suffering in great humility. There will be no sermon; and the service will end in silence and folks are invited to leave quietly. No coffee hour will be offered.
On Wednesday at 7pm, join us for an ancient service of light and darkness as psalms and lessons invite to meditate on Jesus’ life, his last supper and resurrection. The name Tenebrae is the Latin word for darkness or shadows. The light in the darkness symbolizes the light of Christ. As the light disappears, one is left in the darkness; until something unexpected occurs. Again, those who gather will leave in silence.
Thursday, we will celebrate Maundy Thursday at 7pm, the evening when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, shared a simple meal with wine, broke bread and blessed us. You are invited to participate in these holy, sacred acts before stripping the altar and setting aside reserve sacrament for the following day. The Lady Chapel will be open after everything has been put away for prayer and while we wait with Jesus for the night to unfold. St. John’s will remain open until 10pm for anyone wishing to keep awake and pray.
On Good Friday, there will be two services – the first at noon, and stations of the cross at 7pm. At the noon service, the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ According to St. John, will be sung by three members of the St. John’s Cathedral Choir, and cellist Duston Seo will give a musical offering. Gather with us at the cross, witness, pray and remain with Jesus during these last hours of his life, and to sit with the evil powers of this world past and present that led to his death. There is no glossing over the harsh reality of his sacrifice for love.
Then later at 7pm, you are invited to return to walk the stations of the cross. As is the tradition at St. John’s, after the stations, you may lay a rose on the linen shroud that may have been used to wrap Jesus after his death.
The final days of Holy Week are The Great Vigil on Saturday at 7pm, and Easter Day on Sunday with an Easter Egg Hunt to follow for children. During the Vigil, we move from darkness to light as we read stories of salvation, and this service will include several baptisms. The Paschal Candle is lit from new fire as the light of Christ is rekindled in our hearts. On Easter morning at 10am, we will welcome our Bishop, The Rt. Rev. John Harvey Taylor, as Preacher and Celebrant to proclaim with great joy the Risen Christ and the light of Christ that cannot be overcome.
In a world that can feel dark and scary, join us for the entire week of services as we walk with Jesus along the way, through life and forevermore. You are most welcome at St. John’s Cathedral. We hope to see you.
With love and blessings,
Anne+
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