[Magdalen] Holy Week

[Ann Markle]

I hope all are enjoying Holy Week, in whatever manner you're able. Our
Bishop still has the churches closed, though I did hear that one colleague
will be having a Great Vigil inside her church. She's vaccinated, what does
she care? To be fair, I know nothing about her protocol; maybe only fully
vaccinated people with the 2-week safety margin will be admitted.

I am grieving. Last year was hard, but I think I was still in a bit of
shock. This year I'm longing for the solemn drama of the liturgies. Most of
you know that during my tenure in Tennessee, and my first two years here at
Trinity, Lancaster, I offered services on Tuesday (Stations of the Cross),
Wednesday (Tenebrae), Thursday (agape meal,  Eucharist around the dinner
table, then procession into the nave and stripping of the altar), Good
Friday Liturgy, and Great Vigil, in addition to Sunday services. A real
marathon,  and it fed my soul, and I hope the souls in the parish, as well.
This year was Palm Sunday (I blessed the palms in the parking lot, then
went inside for the usual FM Eucharist broadcast), Good Friday, and one
Easter Sunday FM service (unless the forecast changes and we can be fully
outside).

My heart is breaking a little,  differently than usual during Holy Week.
But humility and obedience are the themes that are speaking to me from the
scripture readings this week.


Ann
The Reverend Ann Markle
Buffalo,  NY
ann.markle at aya.yale.edu