Celebrating the LectionaryLenten WalkCELEBRATING THE LECTIONARY traditionally provides special
presentations for the final week of Lent. Each age level journeys with Jesus
in a way that invites an appreciation for the passion story. These lenten
walks might also be used as part of a reconciliation service in the parish or
the school: 1. The Stones Shout OutSeeker #1: Rocks and stones are ancient symbols of God's permanence and stability. Altars were often built with uncut stone and used to make sacrifices to God. The Israelites built altars to draw near to God's presence. In some cultures, stone altars are used to mark the places where people have died. In Western culture, stone grave markers are placed at burial sites. It is an old Mexican custom to pile up stones in places where something has happened that people want to remember. It is likely that the road Jesus took to Jerusalem was bordered by stones, rocks, and boulders that had been cleared from the route.Reader #1: Read Luke 19:28b-40. Seeker #1: When have you been bursting to shout out in joy? When has someone tried to silence you? What would you like to shout out to the world today? (Reflect on these questions silently. Then take a marker and write on each of your rocks one word or phrase that you want the world to hear and remember. When everyone has done this, Seeker #1 and Reader #1 place their rocks in the center to begin the creation of an altar.) 2. The Destruction of the TempleSeeker #2: In ancient times, it was believed that God resided in the Temple. Temples, like most buildings of the time, were constructed from stone. Temples symbolized God's presence and favor toward the people. Many times in the history of the Hebrew people, they had been conquered by other nations and their Temple destroyed. When this happened, the people believed God was no longer with them. Jesus used the image of the Temple as a metaphor for his own life and death.Reader #2: Read Luke 21:5-6,37-38. Seeker #2: Where do you go to feel close to God? When have you felt abandoned by God? (Reflect on these questions silently.) 3. Preparing for the Feast of Unleavened BreadSeeker #3: The Jewish seder or Passover meal is an annual celebration observed by Jews in Jesus' day and in ours. On this night, Jewish people gather to remember the story of their ancestors' exodus from slavery in Egypt. They eat special foods like unleavened bread, or matzoh, and a spicy apple and nut mixture known as "haroset" to remind them of the bricks and mortar that their ancestors were forced to make while slaves for the Pharaoh in Egypt.Reader #3: Read Luke 22:7-13. Seeker #3: When were you last a part of a special meal with friends and family? What were you celebrating? (Reflect on these questions silently. Then spread out the tablecloth so everyone can sit around it. Put out the food and apple juice and cups. Place the burning candle from the prayer table in the middle.) 4. The Passover MealSeeker #4: The word "seder" means "order." The Passover meal is called the seder because the meal follows a particular order beginning with a prayer of invocation called the "Kaddesh" (KA-deesh) and ending with "Hallel" (HA-lail), or the reading of Psalm 136. The ceremony includes retelling the Exodus story and eating foods that symbolize both the slavery and deliverance of the Hebrew people.Reader #4: Read Luke 22:14-20. (Pour a cup of grape juice for everyone. Pass the food around to everyone. After eating and drinking, read the following hymn of thanksgiving based on Ps 136:1,23-26): Reader #4: Give thanks to the Lord, because the Lord is good; All: The Lord's love is eternal. Reader #4: The Lord did not forget us when we were defeated; All: The Lord's love is eternal. Reader #4: The Lord freed us from our enemies; All: The Lord's love is eternal. Reader #4: The Lord gives food to every living creature; All: The Lord's love is eternal. Reader #4: Give thanks to the God of heaven; All: The Lord's love is eternal. Amen. Seeker #4: What past gatherings, events, people do you think about a lot? What "slavery" do you feel you have been, or need to be, delivered out of? (Reflect on these questions silently. Finish eating and drinking, turn away from the "table," place the candle by the "altar" and sit around it.) The journey continues through the meditation points in the same reflective format: 5. The Mount of Olives 6. Peter's Denial 7. Jesus Is Tried by Pilate and Herod 8. Jesus Is Crucified 9. The Soldiers Cast Lots 10. Jesus Dies 11. Jesus Is Buried |