Holy Week is here, Lord.
In some ways, it will be an ordinary week:
I'll still have to go to work, to school, to the
store.
I'll still need to care for my family and friends.
I'll still have to do laundry and take out the
trash.
I'll still have to deal with life's everyday
problems:
my responsibilities won't
diminish or take a break...
And I'll do all this in a world that largely
ignores the names we give this week's special days:
Palm Sunday,
Holy Thursday
Good Friday
Holy Saturday
Easter Sunday
So I ask you to help me, Lord, to make and keep
this week holy...
I hope and pray this week will be peaceful - in
spite of all I have to do...in spite of the
ongoing news of bombs falling, buildings destroyed, leaders of nations still
wanting to fight and hate and feel they’re indestructible.
I hope and pray these days for a
change will be prayerful:
that I'll make some time to spend with you alone and time to go to church on
these holy days...
I hope and pray that in my mind and heart these
days will be different from any others, in how I see and experience the world around me,
in how I plan and spend my time...in setting some
special time to really reflect on the symbolism of these days.
Help me know and live these days as set apart,
some solemn and some joyful:
a time to grow in
faith, and hope and love,
a time to grow in
my relationship with you...
Let this week not be like all the others, Lord - but let this week and all its days be truly holy.
