Lenten Liturgy
We finished our school term off by coming together as a whole community to mark the end of our Lenten journey and to mark the start of Holy Week, in our’ Lenten Liturgy’, written by Debbie Ferris the school Lay Chaplain. We were blessed by having Fr Mark Crisp present who explain in his Homily the events in Holy Week leading to Easter Sunday and the Lord’s resurrection. He invited everyone to join him in Masses across the diocese.
Some of the students from varies year groups, led by Farai in 6 form who played the part of Jesus, depicted the story leading up to Palm Sunday, and the crucifixion. The students laid down palms and coats at Jesus’s feet as he rode to Jerusalem.
Miss Baskeyfield led the choir who sang ‘Ride on Ride on Majesty’, ‘Majesty; worship his majesty’ and ‘When I surveyed the wondrous cross’
Later in the Liturgy, Farai walked around the hall while 12 students read different prayers, which the rest of the school responded with ‘He kept on walking’. Jesus knew that every step he took was one step closer to his death but he kept on walking.
He knew that before he died he would have to confront the centre of religious power, those who used God’s name to manipulate and control and oppress.
He kept on walking.
He knew that he would be betrayed to death by one of his friends and companions on the road.
He kept on walking.
He knew that he would be falsely tried by a corrupt and unjust legal system.
He kept on walking.
He knew the crowds were fickle and likely to turn on him as they had the prophets before him.
He kept on walking.
He knew he would be mocked and humiliated.
He kept on walking.
He knew his dearest and closest friends would fail him, abandon him, deny him, and struggle to believe in him.
He kept on walking.
He knew he would be flogged and tortured almost beyond what he could physically bear.
He kept on walking.
He knew his mother’s heart and the hearts of the men and women who loved him would be broken.
He kept on walking.
He knew he would suffer an agonizing death, and face the greatest confusion and darkness he had ever known.
He kept on walking.
He knew that if he was faithful to the end, he would know the greatest joy, of bringing redemption to the world
He kept on walking.
He knew that when all of it was through, he would return to the One from whom he came, the One who is Perfect Love.
He kept on walking.
God invites us to pick up our cross and take this path, the Way of the Cross. He invites us to walk together with others who are forced to walk a path of suffering, humiliation and death. He invites us to know our own weakness and brokenness and not be afraid to keep walking.
