Let the Word of Christ Dwell In You Richly

The "you" there is plural, and so an alternate translation is "let the Word of Christ dwell among you richly." Today as I drove away from the Holy Wednesday Divine Service, I was pondering that, and how blessed beyond words I am to live in a parish (and have grandchildren in a school) that takes that seriously. On Palm Sunday, the children from the school sang in church and there they heard not only the Palm Sunday Gospel, but also the entire Passion of St. Matthew. Monday, we heard the bulk of John 12, with Vicar providing a thoughtful homily. Tuesday, I was privileged to preach and celebrate when the Passion from St. Mark is assigned. Then today, Pr. Gleason gave us a stunning homily on the Passion from St. Luke which we heard in full. Tomorrow, of course, we'll move on to John 13, with Divine Service both in the morning and the evening; and Good Friday will bring no less than the entire Passion according to St. John heard twice: Once at the Chief Divine Service and once at Tenebrae Vespers. Come Saturday evening the Great Vigil will be celebrated (with two confirmations; one Baptism) and its twelve Old Testament Readings. Then Easter Matins at 6:30 with its readings and the most joyous Divine Service of the year: The Feast of the Resurrection with yet more Scripture. 

This most intensive week of the Church's year, the Word has indeed dwelt among us in a gloriously rich manner. All the Passions will be heard and preached upon; the Sacrament offered no less than 11 times from the Saturday before Palm Sunday until Easter Festival. Thank you, Lord, for this wonderful parish and its love and devotion to the Word!