成人快手

A reflection and prayer to start the day with Dr Geraldine Smyth OP.

鈥淗oly Week鈥�, invites those seeking to know Jesus Christ 鈥� even at a distance- to follow him on his final journey of death and resurrection 鈥� in scripture and ritual, in word and sacrament, or maybe in listening to the St Matthew Passion. Whether we approach with the impulse of Christian faith, or via a personal entry point, these may speak to us of the tears of things,鈥� and of the 鈥渟ins of the world鈥� and the claim on us of the cries of the earth and of the poor. We may remember God who 鈥渟upports those who fall /and raises all who are bowed down鈥� (Ps 144); we may accept TS Eliot鈥檚 insight that 鈥渢he whole world is our hospital,鈥� Such images project the human predicament - each wail of despair or plea for rescue, symbolised in the Lamb of God taking the sin of the world on himself 鈥� or offer a balm of justice for the despoiled earth, and of peace among members of God鈥檚 body on earth: all who are dehumanised in the spectacle of war鈥� a replaying of age-old histories of enmity and cosmic rhythms of darkness and light, enslavement and exodus.

Those not attracted by the prolonged drama of Holy Week may prefer to 鈥渟ituate鈥� themselves in one 鈥渕oment鈥� or near a specific person so that it speaks to their condition and sheds light on their path. There is, a space for all who would catch a glimpse, receive a word or find a home in the cross-weave of the gracious mystery that is being opened up - bringing mourners joy, uniting earth with heaven.

God of hope, may all whose hearts and homes have been shattered find respect and shelter within a community of welcome, inclusion and equality. Amen.