and the heart of God’s presence, as the teaching of Jesus during Holy Week asserts, is love. God is present in this week of jubilation and joy, conflict and wisdom, intimacy and sharing, failure and betrayal, violence and injustice, and death. Holy Week is holy because it reminds us that God does not abandon us in our failings, betrayals, and injustices. Rather, God finds ways to speak wisdom, to create intimacy and community, to inspire love. And it is at the end of this week that we proclaim God is most wonderfully and powerfully present. At the end of this week is Easter, the resurrection. Not only does God refuse to abandon us in our failings, injustices, and betrayals, but God is able to bring forth new life. Injustice, failure, and death are all overcome through resurrection. God raised Jesus from the dead, this Jesus who spoke wisdom, touched others with healing, stood against injustice, formed a beloved community, and lived love. Holy Week is especially holy because, in it, the power of God’s love is seen as the power to overcome and the power to bring new life.
Live as if joy outlasts tears. Live as if justice overcomes. Live as if beauty always returns. Live as if beloved community is always possible. Live as if tenderness is our greatest strength. Live as if love is the most powerful thing there is.”