The Emotional Journey of Holy Week

 

Easter is one of my favorite holidays. Celebrating the greatest day in history, combined with springtime, when nature exhibits new life budding from the musty earth after a season of dormancy, is incredibly invigorating to me. Bright colors and sweet fragrances that greet me just outside my door are such a bright spot in my day after a long, pallid winter. However, I often feel melancholy the week leading up to Easter. There are so many reminders of the anguish that someone very dear to my heart had to endure. I will always be incredibly grateful for the sacrifice Jesus made for me and the hardship He bore, but I really can’t spend much time concentrating on the details of that kind of suffering, especially when it’s concerning someone that I love.

I've always been a very empathetic person and naturally filled with compassion for people. My heart sometimes feels the hurt others are experiencing. I have learned over the years to balance the tension of living in the real world while shielding my heart from unnecessary pain.

I have never been particularly fond of going to see Passion Plays, or any kind of depiction of the crucifixion of Jesus. A few years ago, I sat through the movie “The Passion of the Christ” with my eyes closed during 90% of it, and the visualization of the story troubled me for days. I have come to accept this aspect of my personality and wiring, and have come to the realization that I just don't do well witnessing violence of any kind. However, I know that I can't fully celebrate Easter without observing the reality of the cross and participating in the fellowship of His suffering, as it says in Phil 3:10. So, during Holy Week I do a lot of reflecting on Jesus’ life, death and resurrection and my heart is very tender, compassionate and appreciative of what Jesus went through, the heaviness He carried, and the suffering and ridicule He endured. However, I keep my focus on Easter, when He rose again triumphantly, defeating the grave and defeating the one who thought he had the upper hand.

I pause in remembrance of the cross but keep my eyes focused on the miracle and the joy of the victorious and glorious RESURRECTION. 

Easter: The greatest day in history!!