Holy Week: Remember

Before the day had run its course,
The sun began to fail in force.
The silent stars began to weep,
A tremor shook the hidden deep.

Above the darkened earth was raised
The Son whose arms like wings were poised,
Who then, as on the first of days
Breathed forth his spirit on the void.

Then deep within the heart of earth
A new creation came to birth,
One formed in grace to make us free,
In God the holy Trinity.

While visiting Gethsemani Abbey in Kentucky several years ago, I was introduced to the hymn above. I was struck by the typology of the text, connecting the creation narrative with the passion of Christ. Just as the breath of God expired over the void of chaos carried the force of the Spirit in the creation of the world, so the breath of Jesus expired from the cross carried the force of the Spirit in the new creation brought by his death, resurrection and ascension.

As we enter into the core of Holy Week, let us remember the costly, immense sacrifice of our savior, bearing our disgrace, shame, humiliation and sorrow. But let us also enter into the victory of Christ, celebrating the fact that his self-giving sacrifice has made us new and has reconciled us to God (2 Corinthians 5:17-18).

Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle;
of the mighty conflict sing;
tell the triumph of the victim,
to his cross thy tribute bring.
Jesus Christ, the world’s Redeemer
from that cross now reigns as King.
(Venantius Honorius Fortunatus, 6th century)

Remember.

The Lord be with you,
Jim Hart, President