Image: And Love Will Rise Up and Call Us By Name
© Jan Richardson
If we have grown weary in this season. If we have become overwhelmed. If we are living with fear or anxiety or worry about what lies ahead. If the swirl of Holy Week has become intense. If time is moving strangely. If grief has been a traveling companion. If the ground beneath us has given way. If resurrection seems less than certain.
—Jan Richardson, from Holy Saturday: Breathe
The Painted Prayerbook, March 2018
Beloved friends, I hardly know what to say in this Holy Week except that my heart is with you, along with my prayers. This year, more than ever, I am mindful that John’s Gospel tells us Mary Magdalene went to the tomb while it was still dark and found it empty. As we move through the shadows cast by COVID-19, I have gathered up a collection of reflections I’ve written for Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday. I offer them with so many blessings and with deep gratitude for you and the graces you bear. In the darkness and in the day, may the risen Christ meet you with solace and hope.
Holy/Maundy Thursday
Holy Thursday: At the Table, Speaking of Love
Holy Thursday: Blessing the Bread, the Cup
Holy Thursday: Take a Blessing
Day 38/Holy Thursday: Cup of the New Covenant
Holy Thursday: Feet and Food
Good Friday
Good Friday: Speaking, Still
Good Friday: Still
Good Friday: A Blessing for What Abides
Day 39/Good Friday: They Took the Body of Jesus
Good Friday: In Which We Get Nailed
Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday: Anticipate Resurrection
Holy Saturday: Breathe
Holy Saturday: Vigil
Holy Saturday: In the Breath, Another Breathing
Day 40/Holy Saturday: Therefore I Will Hope
Holy Saturday: The Art of Enduring
Holy Saturday: A Day Between
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday: Where Resurrection Begins
Easter Sunday: This Is Not the End
Easter Sunday: While It Was Still Dark
Easter Sunday: A Blessing for the Rising
Easter Sunday: Seen
Easter Sunday: Out of the Garden
Using Jan’s artwork
To use the image “And Love Will Rise Up and Call Us By Name,” please visit this page at janrichardsonimages.com. (This is also available as an art print. After clicking over to the image’s page on the Jan Richardson Images site, just scroll down to the “Purchase as an Art Print” section.) Your use of janrichardsonimages.com helps make the ministry of The Painted Prayerbook possible.
Using Jan’s words
For worship services and related settings, you are welcome to use Jan’s blessings or other words from this blog without requesting permission. All that’s needed is to acknowledge the source. Please include this info in a credit line: “© Jan Richardson. janrichardson.com.” For other uses, visit Copyright Permissions.
April 9, 2020 at 12:14 AM |
bless you, thank you. you are often the first place i reach for when my heart if feeling the world in amplified tones. this is just what i need for these holiest days, beginning with tonight’s passover seder…..
April 9, 2020 at 11:21 AM |
Barbara, thank you! It is so lovely to hear from you. I am grateful for the gift of your words and the blessing you are. I’m sending loads of blessings for you and yours in these days.
April 9, 2020 at 1:03 AM |
I am a new pastor, overwhelmed with the challenge of ministering in anew way, when I have not yet experienced the ‘old way’. This collection is a wonderful gift, and so much appreciated at this time. Thank you. Bless you. Peace be with you.
April 9, 2020 at 11:23 AM |
Pam, thank you kindly! What an astonishing time to be a new pastor. Thank you for your ministry. I am sending so many blessings for you in these days, and I pray you will be met with many graces and with everything you need. Deep peace to you.
April 9, 2020 at 4:48 AM |
I’m up at 4:40 am Thursday morning reading this. I’m standing in my kitchen weeping. Thank you so much for putting this all together in one place. I know I’ve said it before, but I hope you know how your blessings, your words have carried me in the best and worst of times. I am so very grateful! Please know that my thoughts and prayers go with you…and my love!
Happy Resurrection
So much love
Cindy
April 9, 2020 at 11:30 AM |
Oh, Cindy, thank you. I am so grateful for you and for the gift of your words and your heart; they (and you) are a particular blessing in this week. I’m sending heaps of blessings for you and your family in these days and always. Happy Resurrection to you as well, and loads of love!
April 9, 2020 at 9:31 AM |
Thank you, Jan, You are such a blessing.
April 9, 2020 at 3:18 PM |
Kathy, thank you so much! Sending much gratitude and many blessings for you as these days unfold.
April 9, 2020 at 10:49 AM |
Wow! Again I say, Wow! Thank you for being you and for sharing your gifts with us all…Holy Week & Easter Blessings
April 9, 2020 at 3:19 PM |
Joanne, thank you kindly! So grateful for your words and sending many blessings for you in these days.
April 9, 2020 at 2:43 PM |
Thank you. So much.
April 9, 2020 at 3:20 PM |
John, thanks very much! Many blessings to you and yours as Easter draws near.
April 9, 2020 at 5:33 PM |
Your writings offer so much comfort in the midst of everyday life. I turn to them again and again. Thank you for sharing your gift and your insight so freely.
April 13, 2020 at 10:11 AM |
Thank you Jan,
these are difficult and strange days with each day bringing it’s own challenges with the wave of anxious thoughts and distress for all who are suffering around the globe. I appreciated being drawn into the resurrection story through your art and words.
deep blessings
stay safe
Anne
April 13, 2020 at 10:38 AM |
Dear Jan, Thank you for sharing your gift of hearing that has so affected my eyesight. There is always much to behold and I am grateful for each time in this Lenten season when I have found a smidgen of quiet space to gaze and reflect on your thoughts, that for me, are the tiny blooms that I hadn’t noticed but nonetheless were there. Your writings encourage me to tend to what God has sown in me and I thank you as well as my girlfriend who encouraged to me look you up two months ago. How timely as, like many, I have gained new reading time.
May your heart be watered daily by God’s living water and may all of our blessings bless others. He is Risen!