March 30, 2007 - Friday in the Fifth Week of Lent

Today’s Reading:  LSB #442, “All Glory, Laud and Honor”
Daily Lectionary: Exodus 5:1-6:1; St. Mark 15:33-47
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation.” (Zechariah 9:9)

Theodulph was a gifted Italian monk born around 770 A.D. He lived in turbulent times. As the abbot of his monastery he had a reputation for equity and justice and was often sought out as a mediator between opposing factions. Charles the Great took him back to France where He was made the Bishop of Orleans. But after Charles’ death, Theodulph’s enemies had him arrested and imprisoned, ironically, in a monastery.  There he suffered in close confinement for three years. But suffering does not quench faith. In fact, it has the habit of doing just the opposite.  

While in prison, Theodulph composed a poem for the procession of the people on Palm Sunday. When the new emperor, Louis the Pious, and his guard passed by the monastery prison on their way to church they heard the sound of singing. Louis was naturally intrigued and so he asked who the singer was. When told that it was Bishop Theodulph, he said: “The Bishop is no traitor.” He ordered Theodulph’s release at once and his restoration to office. So, what was Theodulph singing? “Gloria, laus et honor tibi sit, rex, Christe, redemptor...” “All Glory, Laud and Honor, To You Redeemer King!”

All of Lent has had but one purpose, to prepare you for the week you are about to enter, to prepare you to go the way of Christ, the way which poor old Theodulph went himself. And what is that way? As Zechariah prophesied: “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, O Daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey. A colt, the foal of a donkey,” (Zechariah 9:9).

You stand on the brink of the most holy week of the Christian year, and in fact, the most holiest week of your life. Yes, your entire life. This coming week is what it is all about. Your God is a God of the present.

Repent. Confess your sin. And sing your own “Gloria, laus et honor tibi sit, rex, Christe, redemptor...” Do so in great confidence, because your Emperor, your King, your Crucified and Risen Lord, righteous and having salvation, will pass by and hear your song of faith and say: “These people are no traitors. Release them at once and restore them.” In the name of Jesus. Amen.

 

Today's Reflection is written by the Rev'd Marcus Zill (zill@higherthings.org) of St. Andrew's Lutheran Church & Student Center in Laramie, Wyoming.

Questions or comments regarding the Reflections may be sent to the Rev. Mark Buetow, Reflections Editor, reflections@higherthings.org.

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