It seems as if everyone in America is obsessed with "bracketology". You hear conversations and see Facebook posts about how people's brackets were "busted" by an underdog beating a favorite. Fans sit affixed watching the games, cheering for their favorite team. Phrases like "Sweet Sixteen", "Elite eight" and "final four" have become common terminology in our lexicons.
And this year, the final four "brackets" Easter Sunday. It's a shame we can't fill this week with a focus on palms, the Last Supper, a cross and a miracle of the resurrection instead of point guards, dunks and three pointers. I admit I am a basketball fan. I watch games and cheer for friends teams and the ACC. But we all must temper that enthusiasm for basketball with a passion for what we are to celebrate this week.
Take time this week to visit your church and celebrate with your brothers and sisters in Christ. Listen to the Palm Sunday passion and celebrate Jesus entry into Jerusalem. Celebrate the Last Supper on Maunday Thursday. Weep with those at the foot of the cross on Good Friday. And then on Easter Sunday come celebrate the resurrection with us at Agnus Dei Lutheran Orthodox Church at 9am. May the blessings of the Risen Lord be with you this week and all your lives.
++Richard
And this year, the final four "brackets" Easter Sunday. It's a shame we can't fill this week with a focus on palms, the Last Supper, a cross and a miracle of the resurrection instead of point guards, dunks and three pointers. I admit I am a basketball fan. I watch games and cheer for friends teams and the ACC. But we all must temper that enthusiasm for basketball with a passion for what we are to celebrate this week.
Take time this week to visit your church and celebrate with your brothers and sisters in Christ. Listen to the Palm Sunday passion and celebrate Jesus entry into Jerusalem. Celebrate the Last Supper on Maunday Thursday. Weep with those at the foot of the cross on Good Friday. And then on Easter Sunday come celebrate the resurrection with us at Agnus Dei Lutheran Orthodox Church at 9am. May the blessings of the Risen Lord be with you this week and all your lives.
++Richard