Meditations for Sunday April 5, 2020 – Sunday April 12, 2020

Suffering is Real and Suffering Can be Transformed

Meditations for Sunday April 5, 2020 – Sunday April 12, 2020
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Introduction

Holy Week is observed from Palm Sunday to Holy Saturday and followed by Easter Sunday.  This marks a period that is central to the main beliefs and practices within Christianity.  You are invited to join in this observation with Christians across the Western world.  Short meditations are offered below for the five main days in the eight-day period.  The Manning Memorial Chapel website also has links to observances in Canadian churches, including combined activities of the Wolfville Area Inter-Church Council (WAICC), www.waicc.org

Overview

The days in Holy Week and Easter Sunday focus on key events in the life of Jesus the Christ. A drama is recorded in the Bible, rehearsed each year and reflected on by Christian churches and groups across the world. The main ‘acts’ of the drama are observed as: Palm Sunday - the triumphal entry; Maundy Thursday – the institution of the Eucharist/Holy Communion; Good Friday – the death of Jesus by crucifixion; Holy Saturday – Jesus remains buried in a tomb; Easter Sunday - Jesus is raised from death.

An invitation is being given for us to reflect on what these stories might mean for us at this time as we cope with the COVID- 19 pandemic, search for a ‘new normal’ and find hope for the future.

 

Palm Sunday: April 5, 2020

Preparation

Music:

  • Procession and Hymn for Palm Sunday - Craig Courtney (used with permission Beckenhorst Press)
  • Kyrie de Angelis - Paul Halley (performed by the Manning Chapel Choir 2016) "Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy. Alleluia!"
  • Hosanna Filio David (YouTube link) "Hosanna to the son of David!"
  • Palm Sunday chant: Duxerunt Pullum Ad Jesum (YouTube link)

    Mark 11:7-9 - And they brought the colt to Jesus and cast their garments on him, and He sat upon him.
    And many spread their garments upon the way, and others cut down branches off the trees and strewed them upon the way.
    And those who went before, and those who followed, cried, saying, “Hosanna! Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord!

Reading: Matthew 21:1-11   (NIV at Biblegateway)

Summary:  Jesus instructs his disciples to fetch a donkey and her colt.  He rides the donkey into Jerusalem and crowds gather putting tree branches in their way.  They hail Jesus as the king that had been spoken about by a prophet -a king who would come to help the people.

Notes:  The donkey and the branches placed for Jesus to ride on symbolize a King or general who is humble and who brings peace, grace and victory.  But there are also those who question this understanding of Jesus.

Reflection Questions:

  • How can I exercise leadership that promotes peace, grace and the victory of right over wrong?
  • Which leaders do I admire and why?
  • How have I experienced being led by God/Higher Power?

Prayer Guide:

  • I am thankful for...
  • I ask God to help me with…
  • I am sorry for…
  • I ask God to forgive and heal…
  • I have hope and sense God’s love and power when…

 


References
Courtney, Craig. Procession and Hymn for Palm Sunday. Beckenhorst Press, https://www.beckenhorstpress.com/procession-and-hymn-for-palm-sunday/
Halley, Paul. Kyrie de Angelis. Manning Chapel Choir. John M. Scott. 2016, https://chapel.acadiau.ca/files/sites/chapel/resources/Audio/Kyrie de Angelis.mp3
“Hosanna Filio David.” YouTube video, 1:02. “Believe SAS,” October 1, 2018. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFH-2LYh9pM&feature=youtu.be
“Palm Sunday chant: Duxerunt Pullum Ad Jesum (Lyric video).” YouTube video, 3:55. “Adoration of the Cross,” March 22, 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ywEJnjqOlw&feature=youtu.be

Maundy Thursday (or Holy Thursday): April 9, 2020

Preparation

Music:

 

Reading: John 13:1-17, 31b-35

Summary: Jesus and his followers (disciples) gather to celebrate the Passover.  This is a Jewish festival celebrating God’s freeing of God’s people from enslavement. Jesus washes the feet of his disciples.  Jesus tells his disciples that an example has been set as the teacher has washed the feet of his disciples.  Jesus’ followers are also to wash each other’s feet and love each other.

Notes: In the context of the story, when guests visited a home a slave would wash the dusty feet of the guests. Jesus, the esteemed Teacher, served his followers by providing the service that would normally be done by the person with the lowest rank in the society.  On March 24, 2016, Pope Francis washed and kissed the feet of refugees from different religions. At this time during the COVID- 19 pandemic, many refugees and homeless people are without proper shelter and many are walking…

Reflection Questions:

Look at the photographs at the link below::  Photos: Pope Francis washes and kisses the feet of Muslim, Hindu, and Christian refugees
https://qz.com/647532/photos-pope-francis-washes-and-kisses-the-feet-of-muslim-hindu-and-christian-refugees/

What issues are raised for you regarding:

  • Pope Francis washing and kissing the feet of Refugees from different religions?
  • Who is recording the stories and who is helping refugees during this COVID- 19 pandemic?
  • Who God is and where is God is as humanity faces this crisis?

Prayer Guide:

  • I am thankful for….
  • I ask God to help me with…
  • I am sorry for…
  • I ask God to forgive and heal…
  • I have hope and sense God’s love and power when…

Extra Activity:

You may want to explore and compare special observances of other religions during the month of April. Two such observances are the Passover in Judaism, beginning at sundown on Wednesday April 8, 2020 and Ramadan in Islam, beginning Friday April 24, 2020

 

References
Messiaen, Oliviere. O Sacrum Convivium. Manning Chapel Choir. John M. Scott, 2017, https://chapel.acadiau.ca/files/sites/chapel/resources/Audio/O Sacrum Feb11.mp3
“Hymn of Kassia.” YouTube video, 7:37. “University of King's College Chapel Choir,” April 5, 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onhUHwCZHxM&feature=youtu.be
“My Song Is Love Unknown - King's College, Cambridge.” YouTube video, 3:31. “drwestbury,” April 7, 2010. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMart4wXsI0&feature=youtu.be
“Stay With Me (Taizé).” YouTube video, 5:38. “Warren Busuttil”, March 26, 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCr2tn4yYKY&feature=youtu.be

Heather Timmons, “ Photos: Pope Francis washes and kisses the feet of Muslim, Hindu, and Christian refugees,” Quartz, March 25, 2016, https://qz.com/647532/photos-pope-francis-washes-and-kisses-the-feet-of-muslim-hindu-and-christian-refugees/ (accessed April 3, 2020) Victoria, Thomas Luis de. O Vos Omnes. Manning Chapel Choir. John M. Scott. 2016, https://chapel.acadiau.ca/files/sites/chapel/resources/Audio/O Vos Omnes.mp3

Good Friday: April 10, 2020

Preparation

Music:

Were You There - trad. (performed by Mahalia Jackson, YouTube)

Aramaic Chant-Psalm 50 (YouTube)

Out Of The Deep (from Requiem) - J. Rutter (performed by the Manning Chapel Choir, 2016)

Jesus, Remember Be - Taize (YouTube)

O Mensch, bewein dein Sünde groß - J.S. Bach (performed by John M. Scott, chapel organist)

 

Reading: John 18:1-19:425 (NIV at Biblegateway)

Summary: Jesus is identified by his disciple Judas and arrested. Jesus is then questioned by the High Priest and while that is happening, his disciple Peter denies knowing Jesus. Jesus then in turn appears before Pilate as the people demand that Jesus be executed by crucifixion. Jesus is crucified as three women including his mother plus a male disciple are standing at the foot of the cross. Jesus speaks from the cross and dies. Two other friends get permission from Pilate to take Jesus’ body and they put the body in a tomb.

Notes: One way of portraying important stories in the Bible has been through sacred art, including stained glass windows. In the past, these were often developed to help illiterate church members learn about the Bible stories. Stained glass windows and other religious art can also be understood as a means of interpreting Bible stories and presenting the Artist’s interpretation for the reflection of the viewers.

Reflection Questions:

Look at these two photographs of the crucifixion from a panel in the lancet window of the Manning Memorial Chapel at Acadia University. One photograph shows the window in light, the other without light.

 

 

  • What do you see?
  • What do you feel?
  • What does it mean to you?

Prayer Guide:

  • I am thankful for….
  • I ask God to help me with…
  • I am sorry for…
  • I ask God to forgive and heal…
  • I have hope and sense God’s love and power when…

 

For more information on the stained-glass windows in the Manning Memorial Chapel go to this link: Manning Memorial Chapel Brochure  

References
“"Were You There?" - Mahalia Jackson.” YouTube video, 5:34. “Willie Ellebie,” December 16, 2014. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4B72Ff3KAY&feature=youtu.be
“Musical Aramaic rendition of the Our Father that moved the pope in Georgia.” YouTube video, 5:06. "ROME REPORTS in English,” October 3, 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=locW-9S00VU&feature=youtu.be
Rutter, John. Out Of The Deep. Manning Chapel Choir. John M. Scott, 2016, https://chapel.acadiau.ca/files/sites/chapel/resources/Audio/Out Of The Deep.mp3
“Taizé - Jesus, Remember Me.” YouTube video, 3:22. “Maureen Teresa Ward”, October 21, 2011. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6tVReXsioM&feature=youtu.be
Bach, J.S. O Mensch, bewein dein Sünde groß. John M. Scott, organist, 2006, https://chapel.acadiau.ca/files/sites/chapel/resources/Audio/03 O Mensch Bewein (Orgelbüchlein) - JS Bach.mp3

Holy Saturday, April 11, 2020

Preparation

Music:

Reading: Matthew 27:57-66 (NIV on Biblegateway)

Summary: Jesus’ friends take his body and place it in a tomb. Some women sit opposite the tomb. The next day the chief priests and Pharisees ask and Pilate agrees to send soldiers to secure and seal the tomb. They wanted to prevent the disciples stealing the body and saying that Jesus had been raised from the dead.

 

Notes: The COVID-19 crisis has caused a stillness and a ‘burial’ of many of the activities that would normally be happening at this time. Social distancing requires us to stay home, in our ‘caves.’ Pause to consider the possibility that being buried and unable to get out may be an opportunity. What could be the result of silence, of lack of activity, of being in the dark? A seed buried in the ground can die, germinate and new life grows….

 

Reflection Questions:

  • What is there that is buried or hidden that I am curious about?
  • What strikes me as I listen to the poem, Negro Cemeteries by Afua Cooper at the link below, in light of the COVID-19 crisis, and on Holy Thursday?

Meet Afua Cooper, Halifax's new poet laureate  

Negro Cemeteries

Prayer Guide:

  • I am thankful for….
  • I ask God to help me with…
  • I am sorry for…
  • I ask God to forgive and heal…
  • I have hope and sense God’s love and power when…

 

References
IsiXhosa, trad. arr. Barret. Indodana. Manning Chapel Choir. John M. Scott, 2017, https://chapel.acadiau.ca/files/sites/chapel/resources/Audio/Indodana Arpil 13.mp3
“Manning Memorial Chapel Choir - Even When He Is Silent - Kim André Arnesen.” YouTube video, 5:34. “Manning Chapel Choir,” August 26, 2018. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWWPRhE1b94&feature=youtu.be
“Taizé Reflections - Within Our Darkest Night.” YouTube video, 2:51. “WeAreWorshipMusic,” February 8, 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohYeek5VjVc&feature=youtu.be
Paulus, Stephen. Pilgrim Hymn. Manning Chapel Choir. John M. Scott, 2017, https://chapel.acadiau.ca/files/sites/chapel/resources/Audio/Pilgrim Hymn April 14.mp3

CBC Nova Scotia. “Meet Afua Cooper, Halifax's new poet laureate.” April 24, 2018. You Tube video, 2: 36. https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=afua+cooper+poet+laureate+youtube&&view=detail&mid=50688B1DBE7A26BEE12D50688B1DBE7A26BEE12D&rvsmid=C1FB80F22C53F5DDD57DC1FB80F22C53F5DDD57D&FORM=VDRVRV (accessed April 3, 2020)

Source: Digital Image. Available from: https://afuacooper.com/2015/03/07/15-ships-to-sierra-leone/ (accessed April 7, 2020)

Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020

Preparation

Music:

 

Reading: Matthew 28:1-10 (NIV at Biblegateway)

Summary: Mary Magdalene and another woman, also named Mary go to Jesus’ tomb. There is an earthquake and an angel appears, telling them not to be afraid as Jesus had been raised from the dead. The angel tells them to look and see that Jesus is not in the tomb and to go tell the disciples that Jesus would meet them in Galilee. They hurry to give the message feeling both fearful and joyful.  On the way they see Jesus who greets them and tells them not to be afraid, and to go tell the disciples that Jesus will meet them in Galilee.

Notes: One way of portraying important stories in the Bible has been through sacred art, including stained glass windows.  In the past, these were often developed to help illiterate church members learn about the Bible stories. Stained glass windows and other religious art can also be understood as a means of interpreting Bible stories and presenting the Artist’s interpretation for the reflection of the viewers.

Reflection Questions:

Look at these two photographs of the resurrection from a panel in the lancet of the Manning Memorial Chapel at Acadia University. One photograph shows the window in light, the other without light.

 

 

  • What do you see?
  • What do you feel?
  • What does it mean to you?

Prayer Guide:

  • I am thankful for….
  • I ask God to help me with…
  • I am sorry for…
  • I ask God to forgive and heal…
  • I have hope and sense God’s love and power when…

 

For more information on the stained-glass windows in the Manning Memorial Chapel go to this link: Manning Memorial Chapel Brochure  

References
“"Christ the Lord Is Risen Today" & "Thine Be the Glory" - Duke Chapel, Easter 2012,” YouTube video, 7:28. “Benjamin Wolf,” April 8, 2012. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=js8h3NC3b3Q&feature=youtu.be
Halley, Paul. Christ Our Passover. Manning Chapel Choir. John M. Scott, 2016. https://chapel.acadiau.ca/files/sites/chapel/resources/Audio/Christ Our Passover.mp3
“Taizé - O Lord hear my prayer ( Full album ),” YouTube video, 1:02:26 (51:23). "evangeliodelucas22,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuPcxLjVxtg&feature=youtu.be&t=3083
“Ain't No Grave Can Hold My Body Down, by the MSU Singers,” YouTube video, 6:28. “Rodney Leinberger,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhr_DcbCOzI&feature=youtu.be
“Freedom Trilogy,” YouTube video, 8:07. “Paul Halley and Theresa Thomason with Keramion - Topic,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5aBDSKbEao&feature=youtu.be&t=3