Reflection of the Week - 4th April 2023

By Rev Anne Hewitt

Posted Apr  4, 2023 in Faith

Morning birdsong is a complex mix! A cacophony of joy, demand, chatter and consternation, equally delightful and compelling, as it is disturbing and surprising.

I imagine the crowds sounded a bit like that, awaiting the arrival of the charismatic wandering preacher, in the midst a city already celebrating the joy and sorrow of Passover. Prayers and songs of celebration, joy and delight, always sit in the midst of busyness, sorrow, and dismay. The community heard the ancient ‘voices’ of their ancestors through the Great Hallel Psalms(Ps 113-118) reminding them to celebrate the joy with the sorrow.

Jesus chose to enter into this chaotic space on the placid and stalwart donkey. He accepted the palm accolades with the condemnations. He heard the delight with the disdain, and shared his first eucharistic meal, knowing it was his last.

A cacophony of joy and consternation that still both perplexes and prepares us for Good Friday dying and Easter renewal. Definitely, a time for Psalms – spoken or sung, the prickly bits sit with the pleasant parts, just as a justice leads to peace, and Good Friday brings about Easter.

In my distress, I called to the Lord;
God answered me and set me free.
Give thanks to the Lord, because God’s love is eternal.

Source: Rev Anne Hewitt, Churches Together SA email 28th March 2023.

Comments

Write comment