Holy Tuesday: A Journey Through Holy Week

A Journey Through Holy Week
Written By Cynthia Bourgeault

Passion Libretto Part I: The Farewell Discourse

This is day two of a six day free Holy Week offering. On this Holy Tuesday, in the Passion Libretto Part I: The Farewell Discourse, Cynthia focuses on the voluntary nature of substituted love reminding us that Jesus freely gave of his life rather than being coerced into it as a victim of hate. She shares why she chose the text on the Farewell Discourse from the Gospel of John to start out and set the meaning and context of the passion. She also invites us to lean into the reality that Jesus was trying to communicate to all of us. That we are part of a dynamic inter-abiding love, a mutual and reciprocal giving, and to remain in that relational field with courage and equanimity trusting it is all held in the hands of God.

As a way of meditatively engaging this material, we invite you to light a candle, take a few conscious breaths, find your feet, and sink into the quiet that always exists deeply within the sanctuary of your heart. Then, as you are ready, begin to listen to Cynthia’s commentary from the ear of your open heart awareness. Today’s video is about 9 minutes. 

Follow this up by working with the text for Part I by way of the practice of Lectio Divina using this simple modified version:

Read the text or portion of the text, paying attention to what word or phrase stands out to you and allow yourself to repeat it briefly.

Read it a second time, slowly listening and paying attention to what is resonating within, what is troubling, what speaks directly to the heart even if we don’t understand or know why. Listen with your three centers noticing how the text lands in your body in sensation, gestures, postures as well as emotions and feelings that emerge. Allow your mind to ponder the thoughts, associations, and images that arise. Reflect on what comes up and whether there is a specific way it is speaking directly to you. Listen for what is relevant to your life right now.

Read it a third time, noticing whether a prayer or mantra emerges that can be offered on behalf of you, others, the world, or God.

Listen to the music of Part I of “The Passion,” allowing it to wash over you, resting collected as all that has taken place in the inner sanctuary of your heart continues to settle and assimilate, as you simply sit in the mystery allowing it to draw you deeper. Today’s music is about 14 minutes.

If this audio file does not work in your browser, click here to play the music.

Finally, write down some of what spoke to you from this reflective meditation. What does today’s material teach you about substituted love?

A blessed Holy Week,

Cynthia Bourgeault & Wisdom Waypoints Board

Cynthia Bourgeault https://cynthiabourgeault.org
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Holy Wednesday: A Journey Through Holy Week
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Holy Monday: A Journey Through Holy Week