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Holy Week

It’s Maundy Thursday, and classes are over with. This is really the first year that I’ve observed Lent, and participated fully in the tradition and pageantry of the season, and only now am I beginning to see the power and beauty of the liturgy.

Rebecca West called the liturgy one of the highest forms of art to come out of the Byzantine period. She was talking specifically of the Serbian Orthodox liturgy, but I believe this compliment applies across the board. The liturgy is art; there is no doubt about it, and there is power in the manner that the old church traditions engaged worshipers holistically.

The hard part, of course, is taking the time out to appreciate it, in the midst of a busy schedule. In fact, that is where the season of Lent really gets to me—it makes me stop and put things in perspective: I am not my own; these daily worries are not mine to worry about; the riches that I enjoy each day come not of my work, nor my virtue, but have been given to me. In light of all these things, the question becomes, not “How can I accomplish all these things that need to be done?” but “How can I be a wise steward of what my master has generously provided me with?” A question like that can transform everything we perceive in the world.

That being said, this three-day weekend is going to be a good time to rest and recharge for the big push of these next few weeks. I’m really looking forward to it.

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