Archive for the Sacred Time category

Shopping for Spices © Jan L. Richardson In some of the medieval mystery plays that depicted the events around Jesus’ death and resurrection, there developed an imaginative scene involving Mary Magdalene and two of her friends. In this scene, which elaborates upon details offered in the gospel texts, Mary Magdalene goes with Mary the mother […]

And so we come to Good Friday and to the cross that we have been moving toward throughout this Lenten season. Here at the cross we meet the women who did not leave Jesus in his suffering and death. I think again of Etty Hillesum, with whom we traveled earlier in this season, and how […]

The Daughters of Jerusalem © Jan L. Richardson As Jesus walks toward his crucifixion, a group of women follow after him, wailing in their grief. “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me,” he says to them, “but weep for yourselves and for your children. For the days are surely coming when they will say, […]

As we spend these days with the women of Holy Week and Easter, today’s reflection draws our attention to the wife of Pilate. We see her just this once, emerging from the background to speak an urgent word to her husband on behalf of Jesus. Text Matthew 27:11-19 The Dream Send to those on the […]

During Holy Week we are reflecting on some of the women whom we encounter in the stories around Jesus’ death and resurrection. As we move through this week, what do you notice about these women? Whom do you gravitate toward? Who gives you pause? What questions do they prompt for you? Text Mark 14:66-72 That […]

Friday from Noon till Three (The Magdalene’s Lament) © Jan L. Richardson Invocation God of the shadows, you accompany us even in our most painful times. May I know the abiding passion you have for me; may I taste it, drink of it, feel it in the touch of those who journey with me. Context […]