As Lent
begins, with an eye toward Easter, preparation for Holy Week worship
experiences is full speed ahead. With this in mind, I have been renewed with a
deeper understanding of why some church choirs give, give and give more. Whereas
other choirs make the whole experience torture for themselves and their
director(s). From Ash Wednesday through Easter Day our choir, that usually has
one weekly two-hour rehearsal and sing one to two services weekly, go far and
above what is seemingly unimaginable. In summary – our Holy Week includes eight
services, a dozen or more anthems, festival hymn settings, children’s choirs,
brass and percussion, an abundance of responses, sung Psalms and Canticles, and
hymns with and without accompaniment. Plus, we average an additional thirteen
hours of rehearsals. I have to say, WOW, and ask: Did we really do all that?
However, mid-way through the Saturday Night Easter Vigil I usually began to feel weary. It is in that moment it all comes together for me and my understanding of our choir’s commitment, without limitation. What hit me, hit hard and intensely: Our time and our commitment to music ministry is required, is expected and not an option. Why is it expected…For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
WARNING: The next paragraph is graphic, not for the faint of heart. Proceed with caution.
However, mid-way through the Saturday Night Easter Vigil I usually began to feel weary. It is in that moment it all comes together for me and my understanding of our choir’s commitment, without limitation. What hit me, hit hard and intensely: Our time and our commitment to music ministry is required, is expected and not an option. Why is it expected…For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
WARNING: The next paragraph is graphic, not for the faint of heart. Proceed with caution.
Who do
you know that would be beaten/whipped to the point of bleeding, carry a
large-heavy wooden cross through their current city of residence, with a crown
of thorns pushed deep into the flesh of their head causing blood to run down
their face and garments, completely emaciated? Then to top it all off, they are
hung from the cross they carried with nails driven through the palms of their
hands, and feet. Finally, after they die, a spear is pushed deep in their side,
allowing all the blood and water remaining in their body to drain out. Do you
know anyone that would do this for you?
Yes, I do, Jesus Christ would, and did!
This blog may not be filled with the butterflies and the flowers of Easter. It might not include bunnies, baskets and candy. What it does contain, is the reality of the suffering God’s only son, endured on our behalf.
I am not asking you to believe anything I have written here. I am only sharing with you how our worship ministry finds the strength to give of ourselves without reservation during Holy Week and throughout the year. It also serves to answer why we do not have the right to complain about how time consuming Holy Week, or any other feast day we celebrate is to the people involved. We do not have the right to whine, until we are willing…to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:13) or at least…love your (our) neighbor, as yourself. (Matthew 22:39):
This blog may not be filled with the butterflies and the flowers of Easter. It might not include bunnies, baskets and candy. What it does contain, is the reality of the suffering God’s only son, endured on our behalf.
I am not asking you to believe anything I have written here. I am only sharing with you how our worship ministry finds the strength to give of ourselves without reservation during Holy Week and throughout the year. It also serves to answer why we do not have the right to complain about how time consuming Holy Week, or any other feast day we celebrate is to the people involved. We do not have the right to whine, until we are willing…to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:13) or at least…love your (our) neighbor, as yourself. (Matthew 22:39):
Love our Homeless Neighbor…
Love our Muslim Neighbor…
Love our Black Neighbor…
Love our Gay Neighbor…
Love our White Neighbor…
Love our Asian Neighbor…
Love our Jewish Neighbor…
Love our Christian Neighbor…
Love our Atheist Neighbor…
Love our Disabled Neighbor…
Love our Socialist Neighbor…
Love our Aged Neighbor…
Love our Gossiping Neighbor…
Love our ________ Neighbor…
You're, as they say, preaching to the choir. But sometimes we need to be reminded of why we do what we do. As the hymn goes, "Jesus gave it all; all to Him we owe." Thanks for reminding us.
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