I have taken many classes on Scripture in the last several months at the Institute of Religious Formation and have learned many different ways to encounter Scripture. One way is to read Scripture as though you were looking through a window or looking in a mirror.
When we are reading the text of Scripture as if looking through a window, we are focusing on its history. We read to find out what happened – to have a window into the past. Reading in this way is to be concerned with the events that are behind and within the text.
When we are reading the text of Scripture as if looking in a mirror, we focus on one’s self. We read to see what it might say in regard to us. We read with our questions, issues and experiences in view. We read to see what is reflected back to us and what is reflected back on us. Reading in this way is to be concerned with what the text is teaching me now as I reflect on my life.
I think the window and mirror method of reading Scripture may work well during Holy Week. Holy Week is a week like no other, as it encapsulates the foundation of our Christian faith – the suffering, death and resurrection of our Lord. Let’s see how we can enter fully into this week and how we can take a look through the window and in the mirror.
Entering into Holy Week as though looking through a window allows us to see what is happening by witnessing the events and seeing the people. Maybe we can even “see” ourselves at the Last Supper or put ourselves in the crowd along the road to Calvary. I am in awe at the thought of what it might have felt like sitting at that table.
Entering into Holy Week as looking in a mirror gives us the opportunity to see ourselves in light of all that is happening in these last days of Jesus. Maybe we “see” something about ourselves and our own lives or about how God sees us and how we are called to respond.
May you have a blessed and reflective Holy Week.