Holy Thursday

On Thursday, we celebrated Holy Thursday with a gathering at church. It seemed small because people were spread out, but because of the format of the scripture lesson, I decided I'd rather have people comfortable where they were. Instead of a "sermon" I allowed the scripture to do the preaching, only interjecting some leading questions where appropriate. I read from Eugene Peterson's The Message which really allowed the congregation to connect with the meaning.

Then I sang "The Killing" - a powerful song by Michael Pritzl. Below are the lyrics; I trust you will find them as moving as I do.

The Killing
By Michael Pritzl (The Violet Burning)
Can you feel the pain he feels as the nails go through His hands
Driving them in deeper, bloody red hands.
A crown of thorns on His head: come down from there, they cried.
Cause you saved others; can’t you save yourself?
Blindfolded; soldiers demand prophecy
Who’s hitting you now? Who is hitting you now?
Why don’t you tell us? I thought you were the Son of God.
Who’s hitting you now? Take Him away.

Oh, oh, they’re killing my Lord.
Oh, oh, oh, they’re killing my Lord.
Like a lamb, like a lamb at the slaughter is sheared,
He never spoke a word, oh, oh, they’re killing my Lord.

By the power of God, the day became as dark as night
The curtain torn in two; it is finished.
Spit on Him, mock His name, very much like the world today
Beat Him, laugh at Him, Ha ha ha ha

Oh, oh, they’re killing my Lord.
Oh, oh, oh, they’re killing my Lord.
Like a lamb, like a lamb at the slaughter is sheared,
He never spoke a word, oh, oh, they’re killing my Lord.

So can you feel the pain he feels as the nails go through His hands
Cause we’re driving them in deeper.

Before Communion, the choir sang "Take Me Up the Hill" again; I get chills when I hear Mindy sing it. She was having voice problems (even while practicing downstairs before the service), but she nailed it. When I ran into her Friday, I thought she might come join the bass section because her voice was, well, it wasn't her normal voice! But she nailed that solo.

Though it was a rather small gathering, it was very meaningful.