We’re nearing the end of Holy Week and the climax of Easter Sunday. I’m sure Christians everywhere are looking forward to a weekend filled with spring weather, family get-togethers and worship of the Savior. If you’re from Nuevo, you are likely anticipating a quick jaunt to the river. While this weekend definitely gives us all something to look forward to, I wonder what the tone of Monday through Thursday has been for people thus far.
When I was in seminary, my pastoral ministry professors talked about the challenges of Holy Week. They would say that ‘spiritual attacks’ on God’s ministers were most common during this time. Now, not to diminish what they said, but to de-spiritualize the statement a bit, it definitely is a busy week, filled with logistical challenges for pastors. With all of the preparation that goes into our special Easter services, I could see guys getting burned out once the week is over. But I will admit, I am a bit curious about the reality of so-called spiritual attacks during this time and what that really means. It’s believed that this is the time when the church makes its greatest gains. Easter is the most popular time for people to return to church or dedicate their life to following Christ. Does this mean that the ‘enemy’ has reason to attack in order to keep potential converts away? Who exactly is the target of the enemy? Interestingly, my profs pointed out that moral failure, burn out, and contemplation of leaving the ministry popularly occurs for pastors at Easter. For me, the week has proven challenging, but primarily in my family life. No new story here. Two boys younger than three presents certain immoral temptations, if you know what I mean. However, the topic really piques my curiosity for Christians as a whole.
How has your week been? Is your faith in God under attack?
In other news, it was a full moon this week. Some teachers I have had at one point in my life have said that because we are made of water, the gravitational pull of a full moon turns us into weirdos.
Daniel Flores Jr. 