What is today's task?

In my mother's era each day had a "chore" or purpose that was vital to the rhythm of daily life on a farm.

Open Scripture: Isaiah 42:1-9

And now the Lord God says to his servant; I, the Lord, have called you and given you power to see that justice is done on earth.Through you I will make a covenant with all peoples; through you I will bring light to the nations. (42:5b-6)

Saturday morning while driving around the city where I live, I saw church sign after church sign that listed worship services and events for this week: Palm Sunday and Passion of Jesus, Maundy Thursday and Service of Remembrance, Good Friday Service of Darkness, Saturday Easter Egg Hunt and Evening Vigil, Sunday Sunrise Service, and a list of times for multiple Easter Festivals. I wondered, "What happened to Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday?"

The signs reminded me of my mother's sets of dish towels, the ones on which she practiced her first embroidery stitches as a young girl in the 1920's. There was a towel and task for each day of the week: Monday's towel said, "Wash Day." Tuesday's was "Ironing." Wednesday, "Baking." Thursday, "Cleaning," etc. In my mother's era each day had a "chore" or purpose that was vital to the rhythm of daily life on a farm.

The repetition of the word justice in the words from Isaiah and the familiar words proclaimed at our Baptism are reminders of what is required of us, today and every day. We don't get Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday off as God's servants, even if we intimately know the details of what happens Thursday through Sunday or are the staff and worship leaders taking deep breaths before the marathon ahead.

If I was in charge of church signs for Holy Week, I would want today's to read:  "Jesus Is Here. Work to Do!"

Our task for Monday of Holy Week, and every day, is this:

         to live among God's faithful people,

         to hear the work of God and share in the Lord's Supper.

         to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed,

         to serve all people, following the example of Jesus,

         care for others and the world God made.

         to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.

Overwhelming? Yes! Knowing God has claimed us and promises to take our hand and never let us go, may we not only tell the Story and re-enact the Story, but BE the Story each and every day in our homes, neighborhoods and throughout the world. God is up to something good, through Christ and you and me.

Join the Conversation with friends, children and youth:

Before mealtime, cover your table with today's newspaper or place your electronic device with today's news in front of you. Google the meaning of the word, "Justice." Discuss: Where are acts of justice happening? Where is there a need for justice? Text a friend the words you would you place on your church sign for Monday of Holy Week.

Dear God, thank you for coming to us through Jesus, who as your servant shows us the way each day.  Amen

Linda Staats,  --Assistant to the Bishop for Youth & Household Ministry