Impressions of India
CHAPTER 9
The spirituality of the Indian people has impressed me once again by the way they observe the Lenten season and celebrate Easter. This spirituality manifests itself during Lent in the form of not only a weekly Lenten devotional worship service at the church but also in what are called cottage meetings. In other words small group worship services and Bible studies held in congregational members homes on certain days of the week.
This outward devotion to God by Christians here in India by setting time aside for Lenten worship still awes me in comparison to the reactions of many in the U.S. who look at going to Lenten worship services and Bible studies as a chore instead of a loving response to, and a time to meditate, on the wonderful gift of grace God has given us through the death and resurrection his son Jesus Christ.
During Holy week the Christian churches encourage this spirituality by holding evening devotional services through Wednesday of Holy Week along with the Maundy Thursday communion service. Holy Week is concluded with a three hour long Good Friday Service with meditations by lay people and clergy on Jesus’ seven last words from the cross.
This Good Friday in India fell during the Muslim festival of Bakrid in which goats are sacrificed in remembrance of God saving Abraham from having to sacrifice his son. (For Muslims this son is Ishmail, while for Jews and Christians it is Isaac) In learning about what Bakrid celebrates contrasted with Good Friday and Easter has deepened my faith and appreciation of Holy Week and the most precious gift God gave of his only son to die on the cross for my sins and the sins of the whole world, something which the blood of goats and sheep can never do, and to raise him again on the third day in victory over sin, death, and the grave.
After reflecting on the contrast between Bakrid and Good Friday Easter Sunday came as a very joyous occasion for me at which at I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit and a connection with the Bethel Family when the Hymns "Jesus Christ is Risen Today" and Thine is The Glory" were sung and I realized that they would be sung twelve and half hours later in Cupertino.
Easter here in India is celebrated much the same way as in the west by Sunrise communion services and Easter Breakfast. The only difference is that people go visiting to one another and their spirituality is reflected in their concern for the poor and the hospitality they show to their guests.
Christ is Risen. He is Risen Indeed. A most Blessed Easter Season to all of you.
In Christ’s Service,
Rich