The land is barren and dry as we began our Lenten journey. As we stand on the barren road, a cross placed on our foreheads we hear, “From dust you came; to dust you shall return.” On that dry barren Lenten weary road, I sometimes find myself wanting to just sit down and rest; to wait until someone comes along so we can walk together along this weary road. This road seems so very long with no end in sight.

Yet eventually we come to the end of the road where Jesus is now riding on a donkey. Cloaks being laid out on the road and palm branches waving in the air; heralding his arrival. Jesus triumphantly entering and his followers escorting him into town. Yet there still not quit there. They are standing outside the gates to Jerusalem. On this road, I too find myself wanting to not take another step. What will I see or what will happen if I continue along this Lenten weary road.

There is so much that happens in this most holiest of weeks: the washing of the disciples’ feet, the gathering at the table, Jesus’ crucifixion and death and then the empty tomb. The truth is we cannot have Easter without experiencing the reality and pain of the rest of Holy Week. Easter cannot come without traveling through each of these holy days as we experience and witness the cost of God’s love as Jesus dies on the cross for all of us.

As we walk along this weary road, I know that more than ever I am in need of the Easter promises. I need to be reminded again and again that life not death has the final word. “Easter says you can put death in the grave, but it won’t stay there (Clarence W Hall)

Easter blossoms from the empty barren Lenten road to a road scattered with new life. Butterflies flutter around the empty tomb. Tulips sprout forth on that cracked barren Lenten weary road. Paraphrased from Psalm 30:5, “Death comes for the night, but joy; Easter joy comes with the morning.”

But before we can get there, me must first wallow in this week. We must experience all it has to offer. We must sit at the Holy table knowing we will be welcomed even if we deny or betray Christ like Peter and Judaea did the night before his death. We must let our feet be washed by the master. We must stand at the foot of the cross watching as Jesus breathes his last; hearing him utter, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing.” We must stand vigil and lay his body to rest in the tomb.

But then on Easter morning, we must proclaim that death has been defeated. The grave is empty. The road is no longer cracked and barren but is busting forth with new life. We must triumphantly declare, “Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia!”

Linking up with Holly and the Ra Ra linkup, Mary and Tell His Story, Sue and Let’s Have Coffee!