Holy Week

First things first, yes, baby and I are still sharing the same body. Thursday evening and night it seemed for a while that something was about to happen but despite nasty contractions that kept me up it wasn't yet time. I do think, though, that the baby may have dropped then - at least a little :).

Yesterday our family went to church since it was Palm Sunday and I love the tradition of reading the Easter passion in that service. This year it was taken from St. Matthew. Husband was somewhat distracted by the fact that I was kind of uncomfotable and the baby was busy kicking but he liked the service, too.

As the celebrant I've gotten to read the part of Jesus several times and saying the words: "My God, my God why have you forsaken me?" always get to me. Now it was a new experience to represent the crowds and priests that scream "Crucify!" It tore my heart. I am and my sin is as much reason for why Jesus was crucified as all of human kind's sin is, so, it is fair enough that I repeat those words but oh, boy they did get to me. As they should, too!

Although I do wish the baby would be born soon I have to admit that it feels good to be able to prepare for Easter in this Holy Week. There are several services I'd like to go to. The one on Maundy Thursday in the Cathedral, the one on Good Friday in St. Catherine's and Easter night service in St. Catherine's although that may turn out to be a bit much due to the late hour.

What's special about the Cathedral's service is that at the end of it only the Christ candle remains lit and the gates that lead to the main altar are closed. The last night before Christ's crusifixion has started.

In the Good Friday service at 3 p.m. when the Bible tells us that Jesus died the service is a short one with just readings and a hymn and The Improperia, The Reproaches, taken from the book of Micah, which are sung by the cantor. The altar is covered with a black cloth and there are red roses on top of it, a thorn crown and the beautiful crucifix that you can see on the right side of this blog.

There's something incredibly powerful in the Reproaches which is why they are used in the Good Friday services of the Catholic and Lutheran churhes among others. I think it's that the words are in 1st person, it is Jesus himself asking us why, and also the beautiful combining of the themes of the Old Testament with the New Testament.

Here are the words:

"My people, My people what have I done to you,

how have I offended you? Answer me!

I led you out of Egypt from slavery to freedom,

but you have led your Savior, and nailed Him to a cross.

Holy is God, Holy and Strong, Holy Immortal One,

have mercy on us.

For forty years in safety, I led you through the desert,

I fed you with my manna, I gave you your own land,

but you have led your Savior, and nailed Him to a Cross.

Holy is God, Holy and Strong, Holy Immortal One,

have mercy on us.

O what more would you ask from me?

I planted you, my vineyard, but sour grapes you gave me,

and vinegar to drink, and you have pierced your Savior

and pierced Him with a spear.

Holy is God, Holy and Strong, Holy Immortal One,
have mercy on us.

For you scourged your captors, their first born sons were taken,

but you have taken scourges and brought them down on Me.

My people, My people what have I done to you,

how have I offended you? Answer me!

From slavery to freedom I led you, drowned your captors.

But I am taken captive and handed to your priests.

My people, My people what have I done to you,
how have I offended you? Answer me!

Your path lay through the waters, I opened them before you,

my side you have laid open and bared it with a spear.

My people, My people what have I done to you,
how have I offended you? Answer me!

I led you, held securely, My fire and cloud before you,

but you have led your Savior, hands bound to Pilate's court.

My people, My people what have I done to you,
how have I offended you? Answer me!

I bore you up with manna, you bore me down and scourged me.

I gave you saving water, but you gave me soured wine.

My people, My people what have I done to you,
how have I offended you? Answer me!

The kings who reigned in Canaan, I struck way before you.

But you have struck my crowned head, and struck it with a reed.

My people, My people what have I done to you,
how have I offended you? Answer me!

I gave you a royal scepter but you gave me a thorn crown.

I raised you up in power, but you raised me on the Cross.

Holy is God, Holy and Strong, Holy Immortal One,

have mercy on us.

May this week be a very blessed one for all of you!

Ps. I taught Husband how to write on this blog and how to add photos so that when ever the baby finally is here, he'll update the blog as soon as he's home (or possibly after having slept for a bit :)).