Bryan Sherwood

Easter Vigil

Heather and I will be attending the Easter Vigil at St. Pat's this evening. I would dare to say it's my favorite worship service of the entire year. I still remember processing in and hearing The Exultet sung last year. The Scriptures being read and slowly, the liturgy moves from darkness to light. It's a beautiful service in the Anglican tradition and I'm sure in the Roman Catholic and Orthodox traditions as well.

I love the way the Great Vigil begins in the Book of Common Prayer:

Dear friends in Christ: On this most holy night, in which our Lord Jesus passed over from death to life, the Church invites her members, dispersed throughout the world, to gather in vigil and prayer. For this is the Passover of the Lord, in which, by hearing the Word and celebrating his Sacraments, we share in his victory over death.

In a few minutes, we'll be hearing those words and see the Paschal candle lit as we process into the church. I can't wait. I can't wait to utter those words "Alleluia. Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia."

Pax.

Good Friday Thoughts

As we make our ways through the Great Triduum, we come to Good Friday. It's a day that focuses on the Cross. We go with Jesus there. We read the Passion narrative as we see Jesus denied, betrayed, and eventually crucified. Today is a quiet day of solemnity and a day of fasting as we enter more and more into this story. Just a few days ago we shouted "Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord." Today we shout "Crucify him, Crucify him."

Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Today's collect from the BCP)

Crux fidelis

Faithful Cross, by far the noblest
Of all trees that ever grew,
No vast forest ever yielded
Tree so honored as were you.

Planted on Mount Calvary's summit,
Holding Jesus crucified,
Thorns and nails his body tortured,
Gall his thirsty lips denied.

You alone embraced the Savior
As he bowed his head and died;
From his side gushed blood and water,
Whereby we are sanctified.

To the Father, Son, and Spirit,
Equal praise be given now.
As we call to mind Christ's Passion,
And in deep repentance bow.  Amen.

This evening, Heather and I will join St. Patrick's Anglican Church and Apostles Anglican Church for Maundy Thursday.  Maundy Thursday begins The Great Triduum also known as The Great Three Days.  As it is noted on the St. Patrick's website, "The Triduum is the Great Three Days that celebrate the central acts of God for our salvation: the passion and resurrection of our Lord."  Tonight, we go to the Upper Room to be with Jesus and his disciples.

Pax.