In the middle of Holy Week, did Jesus take a day off? The Gospels imply as much, jumping from Tuesday in the Temple to Thursday and its supper preparations without any mention of an evening between. That’s why this day of is often called Silent Wednesday.

We don’t really know, of course. Maybe Jesus was in the Temple again, teaching disciples and the curious, riling his stiff-necked opponents, or maybe the whole week was just one big blur of commotion. But a day of silence and stillness makes sense, doesn’t it? Jesus often retreated from the crowds for prayer and rest. Surely, in this week, of all weeks, he needed both.

And maybe we need it, too. So, Silent Wednesday it shall be.

Tomorrow and Friday we’ll join in worship again, but today we’re scattered and on the run. Somewhere along that way that’s YOUR way today, maybe you can find a portion of time (portion sizes might vary) and be still—a concept foreign to many of us, but one worth actively exploring (or should that be “inactively exploring”?).

Allow yourself some silence. Dare to dissect your life for a moment. Lay out the stuff that defines you, even those experiences or fears that make you feel less than whole. What is it that makes you who you are? What do you bring to the holy days ahead?

Here in the middle of Holy Week, gather around you the stories that weave the story told in these days, then consider your place smack dab in the middle of that story. It’s about you, this week, and FOR you and the world.

In your portion of silence, hear some words: “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” “Come to me all who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” “And remember I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Then, in the silence that lies beyond (or is it WITHIN?) those words and all words, allow yourself to know the presence of the God of all grace and mercy.

In the strange story that is this week, we find all that is needed for salvation. We find the One who embraces all humanity. We find the way that is grace for the world.

“Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations. I am exalted in the earth.” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge” (Psalm 46:10-11).