AGAPE: A Commemoration of Love - Reflections for Holy Week
WORDS of INTRODUCTION
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He
was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing
was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. . . . The Word
became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one
and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
(John 1: 1 - 5, 14)
It might seem strange to introduce a collection of Holy Week Reflections with a reading
commonly used at Christmas celebrating Jesus coming into the life of the world as the
“Word made flesh”. Yet, it is not strange because Holy Week and the readings we associate
with it get to the very heart of what it means to say that Jesus came to be one with us in all
that life throws at us. From the beauty of the anointing at Bethany through the denial and
betrayal to the final meal and crucifixion we are reminded that this was for us - for you and
me. This journey with Christ brings these words from John’s Gospel to life.
As Jesus journeyed to us and journeys with us Holy Week is that opportunity for us to walk
with him to catch something of the sights, sounds and emotions as well as significance of all
that happened for him and for us.
Go to dark Gethsemane,
You who feel the tempter’s pow’r;
Your Redeemer’s conflict see;
Watch with Him one bitter hour;
Turn not from His griefs away;
Learn of Jesus Christ to pray.
(James Montgomery, the Christian Poet)
There are reflections (click on the link) for each night, Monday to Saturday and I hope that these will be a help
to you and an encouragement to stop and be still.
On Maundy Thursday there will be an AGAPE meal at 7 p.m. in Garthamlock, Ruchazie
and Craigend Parish Church which will conclude with a celebration of Holy Communion.
On Good Friday there will be a service at 7 p.m. in Stepps Parish Church.
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