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The day after the acclaimed entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, feted with palm fronds and cloaks laid upon the ground, is one of retreat, silence, quiet, rest – pause in the journey from public accolades to condemnation, from the victory of palms to the defeat of the cross.  Jesus and his disciples withdrew, to rest, recover, reflect – to regroup.

 

Dr. Lidia Kozenitzky, Painting of the Splitting of the Red Sea (2009)

 

Faith is presented as a journey in the scriptures.  The Exodus narrates the life of the people as a journey of faith from slavery to freedom. In his gospel John lifts up Jesus as the Way, the path, the journey we trod together towards the freedom of the Kingdom of God, the knowledge of the Creator, the love of the Divine.  All journeys require rest, and a break.  To recover.  To reflect.  To reorient.  To renew.  Every rest requires a choice to retake the journey, to reassume the cost, to take a step.  Whether in the desert of the Exodus, passing through the threat of the seas, following Jesus on the road, during his arrest, or for us today in our work, relationships, rest, and public life. In this day of rest, reflect on the choices you make to walk the Way, to walk with Christ, to walk with the Church that we create together.

 

What freedoms do you hunger for today?

How do you need renewing rest to brave the Way?

How do you need God to carry you in your journey today?

 

Words to reflect upon come from the song “Traveling the Road to Freedom” listed below.

 

Traveling the road to freedom,
Who wants to travel the road with me?
Feted by noise and branches
And banners hanging from every tree;
Cheered on by frenzied people,
Puzzled by what they hear and see:
Traveling the road to freedom,
Who wants to travel the road with me?

Traveling the road to freedom,
Who wants to travel the road with me?
Partnered by staunch supporters
Who, come the dark, will turn and flee;
Nourished by faith and patience,
Neither of which is plain to see,
Traveling the road to freedom,
Who wants to travel the road with me?

Traveling the road to freedom,
Who wants to travel the road with me?
Tipping the scales of justice,
Setting both minds and captives free;
Suffering and yet forgiving,
Ev’n when my friends most disagree:
Traveling the road to freedom,
Who wants to travel the road with me?

Travelling the road to freedom,
I am the Way, I’ll take you there.
Choose to come on the journey,
Or choose to criticise or stare.
Earth’s mesmerizing evil
Only a traveller can repair.
Travelling the road to freedom,
I am the Way, I’ll take you there.

 

 

From ‘The Courage to Say No’ 23 Songs for Lent and Easter Text and tune ©WGRG www.wildgoose.scot 
Hear a verse: https://www.wildgoose.scot/product/the-courage-to-say-no-cd/