The first days of Holy Week confirm: there are some things worth living for, even if we find ourselves having to die for them as well.
Monday
Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not us to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other that the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen (BCP p220)
Isaiah 42:1-9 . . . the mission of the Lord’s servant, the one whom God has chosen to bring forth justice and salvation
Psalm 36:5-11 . . . the expansive love of God expressed in faithfulness and justice. God is a river of delight in whose light we see light.
Hebrews 9:11-15 . . . Christ has inaugurated a new covenant, accomplishing all that was anticipated by the rites and rituals of the first covenant, that is, redemption from sin and transgression and the purification of conscience for the right worship of the living God.
John 12:1-11 . . . Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, anoints Jesus’ feet with costly perfume.
Tuesday
O God, by the passion of your blessed Son you made an instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life: Grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ, that we may gladly suffer shame and loss for the sake of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen (BCP p220)
Isaiah 49:1-7 . . . The servant of the Lord reflects movingly on his mission – its sorrows and frustration – and God’s high calling and promise to be with him.
Psalm 71:1-14 . . . God will continue to be my refuge and stronghold
1 Corinthians 1:18-31 . . . Paul directs the attention of the Corinthians to God’s way of using what is weak and lowly – even what the world regards as foolish – to accomplish the divine purposes.
John 12:20-36 . . . Jesus presents teaching concerning the meaning of his death. After his prayer to God a voice from heaven is heard.
Wednesday
Lord God, whose blessed Son our Savior gave his body to be whipped and his face to be spit upon: Give us grace to accept joyfully and sufferings of the present time, confident of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen (BCP p220)
Isaiah 50: 4-9a . . . the servant who speaks for the Lord and suffers persecution, but still trust in God’s help and vindication.
Psalm 70 . . . help and vindication
Hebrews 13:1-3 . . . The author exhorts hearers to persevere in the face of adversity.
John 13:21-32 . . . Jesus is troubled by the knowledge of Judas’ impending betrayal but tells his disciples that God is at work in the glorification of the Son of Man.