God.

We call this Holy Week. We try to figure out new things to say, or new things to feel about all that happened during this week. Jesus was celebrated. Jesus turned over money tables. Jesus debated and won. Jesus washed feet. Jesus started what we call communion. Jesus gave the disciples a summary of the heart of his teaching. Jesus taught us about you, Spirit.

And then Jesus was betrayed, was mocked, was crucified, was stabbed, was buried.

In this week Jesus gave up being in charge. He gave himself up to you, God, and was acted upon by everyone around him.

When we feel acted upon by everyone around us, we react. We defend. We demand. We despair. We deny. In other words, we are exactly unlike your mindset, Jesus.

We confess.
We confess that we want to be right, even when you are.
We confess that we want to be in control, even when you are.
We confess that we want to be adequate, even when you are.
We confess that we are not humble, we are not willing, we are not quiet, we are not open.

And yet.

And yet, knowing who we are and how we are, you understood why we are that way. And you became obedient to death on our behalf.

This week, God, please make this week holy.

Fill it fresh with you.

Help us listen.

We ask this because of your forgiveness and your relationship.

Amen.

+++

Luke 19:28-40; Philippians 2:5-11