It was the eve of a “major transition”.
Liturgically, it was Maundy Thursday, the night when Jesus was “handed over” and “betrayed.”
They already had a shared meal. Jesus has washed their feet. Given them a new commandment to love one another and Judas Iscariot has fled out into the night.
The clock was ticking. Everything was about to change and change in a “big way.”
Sometimes, it even seems like change is in the air.
So what did Jesus do? He prayed. Praying is good. Praying is appropriate.
There are so many life transitions.
I can think of new jobs, expanding families, moving to a new community, purchasing a first house, graduations, marriages, new friends – as well as divorces, terminations and deaths…just to name a few!
People go into and out of rehab! There are many kinds of transitions, both good and bad.
Carolyn Hughes just had surgery on her shoulder…and is recuperating nicely at home. Karen Delebeck is in rehab, trying to gain some strength back.
Life is full of transitions.
Remember how cool it was when you advanced one grade in school? You were no longer a little second grader – but now were going to be a – big third grader!
Transitions happen on a regular and continuous basis within our church family.
Shiela just received a new position, a whole bunch of seniors are counting down the days until they graduate!
Sara Bennett is home with a new baby- son. Brent and Nancy Mason just became grandparents for the second time.
Meanwhile, Sara Jolitz has the memorial liturgy for her husband on Friday.
Keith Saylor will bury his mother this week.
A week or so ago, Shawn Runningen passed his written driver’s test! One of young people just posted a picture of their new car…
Dave Stecker and Kevin Polster just received honors at the Oak Creek Police Station for their hard work and community service.
Two of our young people will be receiving their First Holy Communion on Sunday morning and will become “communicant members of the church!”
The transitions just keep coming.
Vivian Thomas-Breitfelt who has preached here at All Saints was just elected this week as the first African American Woman in the State of Wisconsin to become a Bishop in the ELCA.
And this just in – Brent Mason was just cleared for another transplant!
Transitions…
The High Priestly Prayer in John’s Gospel is all about transitions.
In times of transition in our lives, it is good to pray for each other with thanks.
Graduates can say thanks to God for all their parents and teachers and mentors have done to make their education possible.
Retirees can express thanks to God for bosses, mentors, friends and co-workers who made opportunities and allowances for a successful career.
At the time of a death, survivors can say thanks for a beloved grandparent, spouse or friend who was always faithful and supportive.
Even in difficult transitions there is always something to be thankful for…
Jesus prayed that his disciples might find joy and become joy filled.
Transitions sometimes involve anxiety and risk. We should pray about those things as well.
As people go through various transitions in their lives, I am behind them, offering up prayers for them and supporting them with prayer.
Prayer is a statement and an act of faith that God will assist them through the transitions better than we could ever do on our own.
You know the Apostle Paul actually wrote a letter from prison – talk about transitions…
He wrote to the Christian community in Philippi, who were having some conflicts concerns and transitions in leadership.
Paul wrote to them: “Don’t be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding – will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
May we always find “such peace” in all of our transitions…I pray it is so. Amen.