Skip to main content

Feliz Semana Santa

Holy Week...Semana Santa...Easter...

Pastor Fernando challenged us, the congregation to spend time in reflecting what Jesus said in this last week in leading to Calgary, what emotions, feelings he must have felt, and what Jesus did.  Let me share with you some of the things I have been reflecting...

Domingo de Palma
Palm Sunday...Hosanna in the Highest.  Pastor Fernando shared in one message the meaning of the word hosanna which is something that I have been reflecting on since.  The word hosanna originally was a Hebrew word meaning "to save me" a cry for help.  Later, the Greeks changed the meaning to "Savior."  Another piece to consider in putting the triumphal entry into context is that news of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead had spread.  Jesus' entry into Jerusalem with the Jewish people picking up palm branches shouting Hosanna!  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.  Blessed is the King of Israel were asking Jesus to save them and be their Savior, the Messiah.   The palm branches they used signifies victory, triumph, peace and eternal life which the people proclaimed Victory in Jesus before he was crucified on the cross.  Jesus
 on a colt signified that he was coming in peace whereas a horse signifies war.




Jesus coming into the city of Jerusalem where many people wanted to harm him.  How difficult was it for him in knowing that he was arriving in a city who really hated him?  Did not want him there.  Knowing that these same people who were proclaiming victory and Savior really had no idea what they were saying.  Jesus shares with his disciples, closest friends and family about his upcoming death.  How difficult and emotional that had to be for him to share that he was going to die.  While he was sharing the impact of his words had to have on him as a human being.  Did Jesus feel alone in that moment?  Many continued to have unbelief even after witnessing many miraculous signs and wonders of Jesus.
La Incredulidad

Jesus celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread with his disciples.  He showed his disciples by example of being a servant leader by washing their feet.  This was a task for the lowest servant to perform.  It must have been something that wasn't done soon after arriving.  Did the disciples realized
Jesus lavando los pies de sus discípulos 
that there wasn't a servant to perform the task?  Did Jesus already gave thought about washing his disciples' feet that evening?  Or did he realize that there wasn't a servant that Jesus saw the need and fulfilled it?  What had to be going through Jesus' mind while eating the Passover meal with his disciples?  His last meal before his death on the cross yet knowing that Judas would betray him and Peter would deny him.  Did he feel alone?  When he took the bread, gave thanks, broke it and gave it to his disciples was he thinking about his upcoming death?  Also, when he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them?
Cena del Senor 

Jesus' time in the Garden of Gethsemane...taking his three closest friends to come with him in his time of need.  How did Jesus feel when he saw his friends sleeping not just once but twice?  In his time with the Father, how he drew strength, comfort, and peace in knowing that Jesus was doing the will of the Father.  Did the Father encourage Jesus during their time?  Jesus having Judas give him a kiss of betrayal, into the hands of his enemies.  The people shouting, "Crucify Him" instead of "Hosanna."  The whipping he received.  Being brought before the Sanhedrin and Pilate.  Being mocked.  Spit upon.  The final blow...Peter denying him three times.  This was not just a physical beating but also an emotional, mental, relational beating.  The shame and dishonor the people placed on Jesus that even his disciples were shamed and did not want to be associated with him in his time of need.
Jardin de Gethsemane

All of this, and yet Jesus carried his cross with the help of Simon from Cyrene to the hill of Golgotha.   He did not fight nor lash out in words but yet his spirit was not broken.  Jesus knew the will of the Father.  His love for the Father and the love the Father has for him strengthen him and gave him the endurance until it was his time.  Amazing Love.

Viernes Santo, La Crucifixión 

Jesus took the sin of all mankind and the world upon himself that the Father had to turn his back on his only son.  Jesus was completely alone.  Isolated.  Yet in his death Jesus fulfilled the law.  The penalty of sin is death.  Our sacrificial lamb...the blood that was poured out in order to clean us from our defilement of sin and make us right with God the Father.  Thankfully the story does not end here!

Cristo vive.  Ha resucitado.

Hallelujah!  Christ is risen.  Risen indeed.  The grave could not hold him.  Victory in Jesus!  Jesus triumphed over death.  Bringing us a peace that this world cannot give.  Giving us the gift of eternal life.  Christ is alive. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

October Newsletter

  SHANNON’S CORNER The Saga Continues… The trip to Malaysia consisted of a two-day spiritual retreat with the theme of ‘Come Away With Me’ and a six-day conference with about 230 missionaries who serve in some aspect of translating the Scriptures. One of the many people who I met was a missionary who served in Cameroon for many years and now is in a new role. As he was sharing, most his words were very negative and depressive. I encouraged him to sign up for a time of prayer and care. At the end of the retreat, this missionary shared with me that he did have a session and I could see that his whole countenance changed, and he was hopeful. His new word he used to describe where he was now is ‘delightful.’ Our time there was creating a safe space for these missionaries to have a place to share what they are struggling with and to connect with Jesus. One missionary is at a crossroads in her life. Another finds himself in the midst of betrayal. A missionary is in a new role as a caregi...
Post a Comment
Read more

August Newsletter

  SHANNON’S CORNER Camp News! Cherry Run Camp is my green pasture and quiet waters where the Lord continuously restores my soul.  This camp was even more special as I was invited to be the missionary in residence for the nine days of camp. Sharing with all age groups about missions and how as believers and followers of Christ we are all called to go and make disciples by sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. It was a week that was fulfilling to be with my family and the family of God as we fellowshipped one with another. As missionaries, we first need to make connections and build relationships with people before sharing the Good News. The youth were given the mission to level up: 1) make connection by introducing themselves to people and making them feel welcomed; 2) ask the person what they need prayer for; 3) the youth to pray with the person on the spot; 4) the youth to share their testimony; and 5) the person is asked to share their testimony.  The yo...
Post a Comment
Read more

September Newsletter

  SHANNON’S CORNER I will be joining my team with Refresh & Resound International as we will be in Penang, Malaysia.  Some of the team will be doing worship and the rest of us will be providing care and prayer for the spiritual leaders’ retreat and conference for around 220 global workers who work in translating the Scriptures in SE Asia.  Please be in prayer for my team as well as for everyone at these events.  I will share with you more next month so stay tuned. I have so enjoyed the slower pace this month and the opportunity to finish all of my nursing continuing education classes as well as some life coaching continuing education.  The slower pace has also given me time to be able to pause and reflect on this past summer and check-in with myself.  There have been some things that surfaced to the top of some transition losses that I needed to acknowledge, process, and grieve them.  God gently reminding me that I am still in the season of re-entr...
Post a Comment
Read more