Liturgy Of The Passion C

As we move into the central event in the Church Year, the Liturgy of the Passion gives us an opportunity to prepare well and meaningfully. Many liturgists this year seem to be suggesting that, if the longer Gospel reading is used, it can be allowed to stand alone, preaching in its own way without a sermon to explain or mediate it. Whatever approach is used – or if the Liturgy of the Palms is combined – this Sunday opens doors to a deep encounter with the incarnate and crucified Christ. And that, after all, is hat our worship is all about.

READINGS:
Isaiah 50:4-9a: A prophecy of the obedient servant, beaten and mocked, but vindicated by God.

Psalm 31:9-16: The cry of God’s servant, persecuted and beaten.

Philippians 2:5-11: Jesus’ humility and obedience in his incarnate, crucified life, and God’s exaltation of Christ.

Luke 22:14-23:56: Jesus’ journey to death, from the last supper, to his burial.
OR
Luke 23:1-49: Jesus is tried before Pilate and Herod, and crucified.

REFLECTIONS ON THEME:
The Liturgy of the Passion is, quite simply, a meditation on the suffering of Jesus, but, especially through the Psalm reading, also a reflection on God’s solidarity with all who suffer. The way the service is structured is, obviously, dependent on which version of the Gospel reading is used. Also, the Liturgy of the Passion can be combined with the Liturgy of the Palms to create a more diverse and “journeying” service that moves from celebration to solemnity. The possibilities are endless.

CONNECTING WITH LIFE:
GLOBAL APPLICATION: In the Liturgy of the Passion the justice focus does not need to be over emphasised. The clear call to find God in places of suffering, and to stand with all who suffer comes through without too much effort. A nice touch, though, could be to spend some time remembering those who have been affected by the recent spate of natural disasters, as well as those who live in ongoing pain because of AIDS, poverty or war.

LOCAL APPLICATION: Again, there is no need to overplay the theme here. The Scriptures do a lot of the work on their own, and the clear, comforting message of God’s initiative in coming to us in our pain – whatever that pain may be – comes through without any extra effort. Perhaps, the one thing that can be made use of – especially if the Passion and the Palms are combined – is the challenge that God’s reign presents to the systems of our world that cause or exacerbate suffering. And, of course, there remains the inspiring message of hope that pain and death do not have the final word.

RESOURCES FOR WORSHIP:
Prayers:
If Not For Your Embrace Of Death
The Mystery Of Your Love
No Dying Today
What Life Can Be

Hymn Suggestions:
O Sacred Head Now Wounded
O Love Divine What Hast Thou Done
Jesus! The Name High Over All
Depth Of Mercy
And Can It Be
This Place (Scroll down for chord chart). Go here & scroll down to listen to a preview.
God With Us (Link to YouTube video)
Amazing Love (Link to YouTube video)
Once Again (Link to YouTube video)

Liturgy:
A Short Liturgy for Maundy Thursday (Although designed for Maundy Thursday, this liturgy can also be a fit for Passion Sunday).

Video Suggestions:
His Passion
What Would You Suffer For?

Image:
Crucifixion