Holy Mysteries

Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Maundy Thursday BCP 221)

"Holy mysteries." Indeed, what we commemorate and celebrate in the the next three days are a series of Holy Mysteries. Jesus turns the world upside down by sharing God's love through death and resurrection. The irony that actually following Jesus' teachings in a world described as 'culturally Christian' is still counter-cultural despite centuries of Christianity being the prevailing religious institution in our country is not lost during this time. The holy mysteries of Holy Week have been used and abused by those in authority for so long, we have forgotten the true surprise and amazingness of what God is doing. 

However, what Jesus teaches in the story of Maundy Thursday is not a mystery. Service to others is not a mystery for us to ponder, it is a faith filled action which builds up the kingdom of God. Despite our social distance and lack of feet washing, we can still find ways to serve each other in our community. I recently read a story about a teacher who was trying to help his students understand community service. The teacher had everyone in all the classes in the hallway blow up balloons, write their names on them, and release them into the hallway. The balloons filled the hallway. Then he started a timer and told the students to find their balloon. In the designated time only a few found their balloons. The teacher had them return their balloons to the hallway. Then the teacher told all the students to pick up the closest balloon to them and give it to the person whose name was on it. At the end of the designated time, all the students had their balloons. 

How God works love through death and resurrection might be a mystery, how we can find joy in suffering might be a mystery, but when Jesus tells us to love and serve each other, that is not a mystery. May we find ways in the next few days to not only honor the holy mysteries of God's work of salvation, but also follow Jesus' teachings of love and service.