Each Easter I write a series of reflections for Holy Week, the week leading up to Easter Sunday. This is now the sixth year I’ve done it, and each year I worry there may not be anything fresh to say. But of course there always is… and 37 reflections in, I’m still appreciating new things about the Easter message.

Below is a post I wrote for the ChristChurch London blog, explaining a bit about what the reflections will cover. You are more than welcome to follow along, and if you’d like to see the reflections from the previous years, you can find them here. 

Seven Words from the Cross

I don’t respond well to pain. When I experience it, the sounds that come from my mouth tend to be a mixture of muffled grunts and involuntary exclamations. They are rarely dignified, eloquent or meaningful. They are certainly not worthy of being recorded and celebrated!

Yet for centuries, people have made a practice of meditating on the final words of Jesus, uttered under unparalleled pressure, and the greatest pain a person could ever endure.

The gospels record seven sayings, or ‘words’, that Jesus uttered from the cross, and they are beautiful. They are measured and deep, giving us incalculable insights into the very heart and purposes of God Himself.

In Holy Week, the week running up to Easter, we will join with many churches across the world in reflecting on these seven words, and considering their power to transform our lives.

Each morning, beginning on Sunday April 9, we will send out an email containing a short reflection. If you’re signed up to receive our email newsletter, you will get these automatically each day. If you’re not already subscribed, you can sign up today.

Each email will contain:

• A short passage of Scripture, and a few thoughtsto help you reflect on it.
• Two or three questions to help you apply the passage to your life.
• A short prayer, which may help you to respond to the theme of the study.
• And finally, for those who want it there is a Going Deeper section, which will recommend talks, articles, books, and further study questions.

We don’t anticipate that it will take long to read through and think about each of these elements, but hopefully it will give you something to chew on for the rest of the day. So why not set aside a short time during your day, whenever suits you – morning, lunchtime, or evening – to read through the email, and think about some of the questions.

All of us are different, and we engage with God in different ways. So think about what will best help you this Holy Week. For some, first thing in the morning is the perfect time: with a cup of coffee, or whilst travelling on the tube. For others, taking time out during a lunch break is far more convenient. Some may find it helpful to write down answers to the questions, others might want to do the studies with friends, housemates, work colleagues, or your Connect Group.

We will also put them up on Broadcast each day, as well as posting them through Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Feel free to comment, let us know what strikes you about the readings, and share them with friends who may find them inspiring or thought-provoking.

Then on Easter Weekend itself, join us for one of our services:

Good Friday: April 14, 11.00-12.30. Pimlico Academy, SW1V 3AT
Easter Sunday: April 16, South (10.00), Central (11.00), West End (16.30) and East (18.00)

Image: From Pixabay.