The Election has been called.

Holy Week has arrived.

Both events are important for all Australians. Some commentators would have us believe that no one is interested in either event. It may well have been the case in Jerusalem in 30 CE!

On the other hand, even back then, there were a great number of people interested in who ran their country; one such attitude was best expressed by the High Priest: “It is better for one man to die for the people.” Another comment was: “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” A view felt by some people even today.

Christians believe that Holy Week is just that…Holy Week!  It reminds us of the greatest event that has ever happened in the history of the world; and not only for humans.

As G.K Chesterton put it in his poem ‘The Donkey’:

“Fools! For I also had my hour;

One far fierce hour and sweet:

There was a shout about my ears

And palms before my feet.”

For a world wracked then with pain and seeming lack of meaning; turning its back on its revealed choice by a faithful and loving God, it is mysterious that the next step in the plan to bring hope and salvation to that and this world was Crucifixion and Resurrection. Yes, mysterious then and still mysterious now. But for two thousand years, women and men have sought solace and comfort in immersing themselves in the events of Holy Week and in those celebrations, received strength to re-encounter with our challenging world.

1 Peter 1:18-21 is well worth reading slowly this week. The excerpt ends with these words: It all happened “so that you would have faith and hope in God.”

Have a wonderful Holy Week.

Mons Frank