MATTHEW 27:31-36, 39-41

Then Jesus said to them, "You will all become deserters because of me this night; for it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.' 32 But after I am raised up, I will go ahead of you to Galilee." 33Peter said to him, "Though all become deserters because of you, I will never desert you." 34 Jesus said to him, "Truly I tell you, this very night, before the cock crows, you will deny me three times." 35 Peter said to him, "Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you." And so said all the disciples. 36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray."


39 And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want." 40 Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, "So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? 41 Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

March 29, 2021 - As I write this, we are entering Holy Week. It is a journey that takes us from the triumphal parade to the Resurrection with everything in between. I wonder, how will you look at this week? What will you take time to see?


When I was a child, one of my favorite things to do was look through the stationary viewfinders that would be placed at historical venues. If you had the dime (yes, a dime,) you would get a few minutes of up close and personal with the view ahead of you, unless of course your brother would try to put his face in your way! 


When we look ahead at Holy Week, how up close and personal will we be willing to get? 


Will we spend more than a dime to look at the cross and view the week ahead? 


Will we spend more than a few minutes to reflect on and pray about God’s biggest week ever? 


Will we remain focused even when distractions try to get in front of our viewing? 


Or will we walk on by the view finder, without a care for seeing beyond the noses on our faces? 


God is closer than we realize, if we take the time to look. If you take the time, what you come to see by God’s grace will be incredible! 


May this week bring you into full view of God’s graces and God’s suffering, as well as God’s greatest gift. 


Peace to you all as we wait for the Resurrection.   


Rev. Sue