Morning Prayer
Luke 23: 50 – 55
Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.
Reflection
As they faithfully waited, so we faithfully wait. In this waiting we have in mind how Abba’s chosen son, our older brother suffered for us and died a horrible death. We wish to ritually honour that horrible occurrence in a way that helps us integrate its reality into our lives.
Jesus’ suffering and death is a mystery to us, our being reborn through his suffering and death is a mystery to us, his gift of the Spirit as we are reunited with our creator Abba is a mystery to us. But as followers of Jesus we affirm this mystery confident that the God, whose ways and thoughts are above ours, has us in His heavenly hands and clasped to his bosom. So we empty ourselves of everything we know, sacrifice everything we have in order that we might receive from our Abba the fullness of what he has to pour into us.
Come Holy Spirit, like Jesus we empty ourselves, Come Holy Spirit, like Jesus we sacrifice ourselves. Come Holy Spirit, create us anew. We rest in your presence this day.
Noon Day Prayers Question
Waiting in the darkness, waiting for the light. As we wait for winter to turn to spring, as we wait for night to turn to day, we too wait in darkness, in the cold… Will he come and when he does, will he find faith…
Evening Prayer
Meditate in silence on these things… Silence is the best response to the unfathomable… Be still now for some time…
Reflection
Come Holy Spirit, like Jesus we empty ourselves, Come Holy Spirit, like Jesus we are willing to be poured out on the altar of your compassion. Come Holy Spirit, create us anew. We rest in your presence Heavenly Father this evening awaiting the dawn.