04/13/2022 Principal's Note

By -
Holy Week is my favorite stretch of the church year. Palm Sunday is full of excitement as Jesus entered Jerusalem to the joyful shouts of the crowds. Monday, Jesus, in his righteous anger, cleared the temple of the greedy merchants and money-changers. Tuesday, Jesus visited the Mount of Olives with his disciples and spoke about the End Times; this was also the day that Judas Iscariot negotiated the price for his betrayal of his Savior. Thursday through Sunday are, of course, the main events: learning about the Lord's Supper and watching Jesus wash his disciples' feet on Maundy Thursday; the agony and gut-wrenching sorrow of Good Friday; the hopeful anticipation of Saturday; the triumph and all-consuming joy of Easter Sunday. But what about today, the Wednesday of Holy Week?

The Bible does not record anything about Jesus' actions on the Wednesday of Holy Week. For this reason, many call it "Silent Wednesday." Perhaps Jesus took one last opportunity for rest and companionship with his disciples before the chaos of the coming days. Maybe he spent the day walking around Jerusalem, taking in the sights and sounds of the Passover one more time. Or he could have sat with his mother, Mary, knowing this would be one of the last chances he had for some mother/son time; we know she was at the foot of the cross only two days later. No matter what he did, he seems to have followed what his Father spoke in Psalm 46:10: "Be still, and know that I am God" (NIV 2011). There was no hectic, last-ditch effort to avoid the suffering that was ahead of him. Jesus had accepted his Father's plan and all that came with it; now it was time to be still and let that plan unfold.

I hope that encourages you to do the same thing over the next few days. Work is hectic, kids demand our time, and being a homeowner or dealing with a landlord can be all-consuming. Be still for a little while. Back in 2018, a study was done to see just how busy our families with school-aged children are; you probably wouldn't be surprised by the data. The title of the article says it all: "American families barely spend quality time together." Take a look at the numbers, and realize you are not alone in the craziness of your life. The next few days are an opportunity to slow down, take a breath, and go with your family to the cross of your Savior. I won't lie, the kids are probably going to balk at going to church three times in four days; I know mine will. But when you get to sit together and hear about the love your Jesus has for you, and you sing those songs together and pray together, there is no time together that is more quality. Be still. Focus for a moment on the cross together. You won't regret it.

Have a blessed Holy Week and Easter!

In Christ,

Principal Bill Fuerstenau