A HOLY WEEK: Day Three

It’s late, really late for a day three reflection. Truth be told, it’s day four of this Holy Week as I write. But, there’s a reason.

Tuesday was a multi-tasking day. I flew solo in the church office, completed several necessary tasks, and finished work on another of the week’s worship experiences; but more important, I took time for myself. I had lunch with a couple of great people from our church, cooked dinner, went to Davenport, watched portions of the evening political talk shows that feed my partisan hungers, spent a grueling but satisfying hour on the treadmill, and gave Shari her nightly back rub. To top it off, I devoted almost no time to wondering what I could have accomplished had I used those several hours to prepare for the week’s events.

For Jesus, I imagine the third day in Jerusalem had to include some personal time. The Gospels report his penchant for quiet time alone; by day three of his journey to the cross, he must have needed a bunch of it. And in his away moments, when he wasn’t healing, teaching, scolding, or mentoring people, I bet he didn’t worry about how he could have been steeling himself against the rest of the week.

Not for a moment do I compare the itinerary of my small life with Jesus’ preparation for the cross, but I may have at least stumbled upon a valuable lesson from his example: In the face of stress and expectation, in the company of dread or obligation, however large or unmanageable the burdens of your life, be sure to get away. Whether for five minutes or five hours doesn’t matter, just get away. Be yourself. Live your life. Tend to your roots.

Firmly planted in those roots for Jesus was the conviction that the week ahead of him, while spiraling out of his earthly hands, would never leave God’s. Jesus knew he didn’t have to prepare for his destiny, but rather surrender himself to it. God would provide.

What’s on tap for you the rest of this week? Or later this month or year? Big things? Large responsibilities? Potential failures? Do what you have to do, but also make sure you get away. The one who accompanied Jesus on day three in Jerusalem will be there when you get back...and wherever you are.


Pray with me:
The cross looms larger. Help me see it and feel it and prepare for it, without being owned and enslaved by it. That sounds tricky to me, but then again, that’s why I pray and you listen – not vice-versa. In the name of Jesus, Amen.