Contemplation

Assist us mercifully with thy help, O Lord God of our salvation, that we may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby thou hast given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

-- The Book of Common Prayer


This collect is appointed for the Liturgy of the Palms at the beginning of the Palm Sunday liturgy in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. I think it is an appropriate entreaty to God at the beginning of such a time as Holy Week. For the clergy and for those who assist in worship, Holy Week is the busiest time of the Church Year and does not afford much opportunity for contemplation.

I know many people who count as their conversion experience the liturgies of Holy Week and the Sacred Triduum, the three holy days which begin with Maundy Thirsday and culminates with the Great Vigil of Easter. Indeed, I count them as mine as well, remembering my baptism at the Great Vigil of Easter in 1997.

Entering with joy upon the contemplation of the acts of our salvation requires us to be present; not only physically but spiritually. It requires us to give ourselves the prayerful space to allow God to speak to our souls in a new way. For me, it means being prepared enough to be able to approach the sacred mysteries without a mind swimming with undone tasks. Whether clergy or lay, truly participating in the liturgies of Holy Week and Easter is a real sacrifice of time and attention, but its rewards are immense.

Our Holy Week and Easter schedule at St. Paul's can be found here. I invite you to join us in this sacred time, and to experience the transformation of Christ's life, death, and resurrection!