Today is Passion Sunday - the point in Lent when we shift from thinking about Jesus' temptations in the wilderness (and our own temptations), towards His Passion.
It's a turning point in Lent, where we move the focus from ourselves, and our Lenten observances and fasting, to think about the events of Holy Week - Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday; the turning of the tables in the temple; Jesus washing his disciples feet; the Last Supper; Judas identifying Jesus, leading to his arrest; the praying in the Garden of Gethsemane; Jesus' trial and crucifixion; Jesus lying in the tomb until the Resurrection.
This week's sermon, from Fr Philip, can be found on the online sermons page of the benefice website.
As the Church contemplates Jesus' words and actions in his final days at this time, each of this week's 'ponderings' will reflect on the Gospel reading set for Holy Communion in the lectionary that day.
One thing that isn't possible at the moment is for people to go away on retreat. It is possible to 'go' on retreat at home however; the Rev'd Catherine Williams has created a set of retreats for Lent, Holy Week, Easter and Pentecost
We may be separated physically, but we can be united as one in prayer; here is a set prayer from the Church of England:
Lord Jesus Christ,
you have taught us
that what we do for the least of our brothers and sisters
we do also for you:
give us the will to be the servant of others
as you were the servant of all,
and gave up your life and died for us,
but are alive and reign, now and for ever.
Amen.
(Prayer from here)
This is one prayer that will be included in our celebration of the Eucharist here, as we pray for all those suffering at the moment, everyone who can't get to church, and those who are giving of themselves to help others in need.
♫ And, finally, a Passion themed music choice for today: Drop, drop slow tears
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