For those who are new to
worship at St. Matt's, you might wonder about the different seasons of our
church year and their corresponding colors. In our confirmation/membership
classes, we cover and explain "The Christian Year".
Essentially, the Christian
Year models itself on the life of Christ as revealed to us in Holy Scripture.
During ordinary time, while still focusing on the ministry of Jesus, we also
focus on the growth and ministry of the Church of Jesus Christ through the
power of the Holy Spirit. I encourage everyone to watch the brief video below
that I use in our inquirer classes to introduce the Christian Year (I also have
a wonderful booklet free to anyone who inquires):
The culmination of the
Christian Year is EASTER. In the Book of Common Prayer (BCP), the Easter Vigil
service (which we celebrate at the conclusion of Holy Saturday in the evening)
is the pinnacle FEAST/Service of the Year. What helps us to prepare and draw
closer to the reality of Christ's suffering and then his glorious resurrection
is Holy Week (capping our Lenten preparation and thrusting us toward the
conflicts that would arise for Jesus in Jerusalem). Holy Week begins on
Palm/Passion Sunday.
In my next few articles, I
am going to introduce you to the services of Holy Week, and the importance
historically that they have played for Christ's church. Our Holy Week services
beckon us to "put the brakes on" during a normal week (with all the
usual distractions) and enter more deeply into the sacrifice and victory of
Christ. He welcomes us to walk with him. For this to happen, we will likely
have to plan and schedule for it. Will you walk this road with us?
Fr. Tom
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