One Service, Three Nights

“The services of the historic triduum are more than the commemoration of a series of past events. They are the celebration of one event, unique and unrepeatable, that is eternally present in and to the community of faith and the lives of believers—namely the Passover of Jesus from death to life…The word triduum “three days” was first used by Augustine to express the essential unity of this single three-day service.” Robert Webber

Tomorrow night our church starts a three-night vigil of commemoration and devotion. Modeled after and adapted from the Holy Week vigil of the early church, we begin one service that takes three evenings to complete.

It begins on Thursday night and ends Saturday night. We begin in the upper room where we are gathered with the disciples, we are there “re-membering” with our very presence the institution of the Lord’s Supper, the giving of the “new commandment”. Then on Friday, we are taken from the garden through the trial and scourging to the foot of the cross. And then Saturday comes.

Traditionally, the “Great Triduum” is “dark” on Saturday and it remains a day of quiet reflection. In our church we began to gather on Saturday evenings for a simple, contemplative service, as it were, before the sealed tomb. We use this service to remember the promises of God that sustain us in the “in-between” times of our lives.

For many people, this “one service over three nights” is the absolute spiritual highlight of the year. To participate in a three night vigil in the footsteps of the disciples as they watch in horror at what happens to their rabbi and Lord is a challenge to our easy-believism and our formulaic faith.

It is also a sober reminder and encouragement for those of us who struggle to feel at home in this world the more we follow Jesus. For as the Lord said:

"Remember the word that I said to you, ‘Servants are not greater than their master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also. But they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.”
John 15:20-21

As Holy Week progresses, let me urge you to find services to attend with other believers.  If you are near San Clemente, we welcome you at our "Great Triduum" Vigil. If not, consider asking some Christian friends to gather together each evening for a simple time of Scripture reading and prayer together. 

Consider celebrating a meal on Maundy Thursday and remembering the upper room,  watch together "The Passion of the Christ" on Friday (now available on DVD) and then on Saturday simply sit in silence together considering how many promises require us to wait for God's fulfillment.  (I'll provide some thoughts for you each of these days here as well as some scriptures for each day.)

I guarantee you Easter will be far more profound on Sunday. 

Comments

[Brenda]

I love reading all of your blogs. I read them everyday. I start in the morning with my daily devotionals from my own church and then I read your blogs. If I ever make it to your area I am definately going to visit your church. Every time I think about what Jesus did for all of us it breaks my heart I don't know if it's wrong to feel that way or not. I am very thankful for what he sacrificed for us but also very sad that he had to go thru such torture. I feel such guilt that he had to die for me. I can't wait to meet Jesus in heaven and tell him face to face how much I love him and how thankful I am. God Bless you and your church this Easter you are a good Shephard. Brenda.

[Brenda]

I love reading all of your blogs. I read them everyday. I start in the morning with my daily devotionals from my own church and then I read your blogs. If I ever make it to your area I am definately going to visit your church. Every time I think about what Jesus did for all of us it breaks my heart I don't know if it's wrong to feel that way or not. I am very thankful for what he sacrificed for us but also very sad that he had to go thru such torture. I feel such guilt that he had to die for me. I can't wait to meet Jesus in heaven and tell him face to face how much I love him and how thankful I am. God Bless you and your church this Easter you are a good Shephard. Brenda.