Beyond words

Two plants symbolized yesterday's worship service. Palm branches obviously stand for the branches waved as the crowd welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem during the week leading up to his crucifixion. The long thorns of a lemon tree stand for Jesus' suffering and death as soldiers wove a crown of thorns and placed it on his head. It was a fitting introduction to Holy Week where we use the powerful symbols of the church to help us to enter more fully into the mystery of Jesus' death as we prepare to celebrate the joy of his resurrection.

This week our worship will be more varied and rich than at any other time of the year. Special services such as Tenebrae and a Passover Seder on Wednesday and the footwashing as part of the Thursday evening worship offer an opportunity to learn in ways beyond words. This is important as the God we worship is also beyond words. Palm branches, thorns, and other physical stuff enhances our worship as they can become symbols of something greater than themselves, having the power to evoke something in us—such as the gut-level response many had yesterday to the vicious spikes on the lemon tree stems— that mere words can not elicit.

peace,
Frank+
The Rev. Frank Logue, Pastor + King of Peace Episcopal Church

Note:
Today is the last day to purchase Easter Lilies or azaleas in someone's memory or honor for our Easter worship services. You may call or email the church before 5 p.m. to do so. This evening's worship is a 7 p.m. service of Holy Communion using the readings for Monday in Holy Week. The service, will last about 30 minutes or so.