Holy Week – Wednesday 1 April 2026
Call to Worship:
It is Wednesday.
Amid conspiracy and lies,
between plot and shadows,
among all that is untrustworthy and ambitious
we gather against the darkness and worship.
Reading: Luke 22:1-6 – The Plot to Kill Jesus
1 Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover, was near. 2 The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they were afraid of the people.
3 Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve; 4 he went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers of the temple police about how he might betray him to them. 5 They were greatly pleased and agreed to give him money. 6 So he consented and began to look for an opportunity to betray him to them when no crowd was present.
Reflection:
Coins slip,
a clink and clunk, into a leather bag,
bound tight to hold the promise
of deceit and betrayal.
A bag is passed, changing hands,
the soft reassuring jingle
lending gravitas to a choice,
a choice born of selfish ambition.
And what of us,
God of this night and every night
in which people find their futures torn asunder
by the egos of others?
Holy God,
how many Judas’,
how many alternative views,
how many plots and projects must you bear?
How many machinations must love endure
before we finally see
the greater conspiracy of heaven
against the lies,
against the selfish ambition,
against the pretenders?
Holy God,
the darkness gathered
and we can hardly see our way
yet we will try and follow you
even if we do not understand where we are going.
Prayer:
Jesus,
with you we continue on our journey through this holy week,
all too aware of the gathering storm,
and the decisions that are being made by people close to you,
decisions that will lead to a wooden cross.
We are aware that many have known treachery in their lives,
may we move in solidarity with them.
In the central place of worship, the Temple, you spent your days,
talking with people who were eager to learn,
challenged by authorities questioning your place,
fascinating the curious,
unsettling the powerful,
and through it all declaring the good news
of a God of love,
of a table open to all,
of an embrace that gathers everyone.
Remind us of the times we have betrayed another person,
when we have been complicit in deeds
of which we are embarrassed to admit.
We ask your forgiveness.
And while we might not ever forget what we have done,
might we choose more wisely in the future,
might we choose more lovingly, more kindly.
Thank you for the assurance of your grace,
freeing us to live well,
freeing us to bring hospitality and welcome,
freeing us to bear witness to your love,
your love for all.
Amen.
Blessing:
Be alert. Be on guard. Pray.
Show up, as we endure on our road to the cross,
gathering strength to continue
walking with others of the faith.