Holy Week

crucible

in darkness
forgiveness is
born
in pain
redemption is
borne
in loss
recovery is
drawn
in death
true hope
can dawn

when I
am nothing
God
can touch
and create

empty

the crucible
contains the
will
heated by the
light
of vision
transformed by the
ineffable

love

© Neil Thompson 2022

Stations of the Cross response

Jesus, we worship you;
Christ we bless you and adore you;
Jesus, your holy cross
has redeemed the world for ever.

© Neil Thompson 2016

A Hymn of Christ the Servant

In my neighbour Christ is present –
Human dust brings God to earth;
As a servant Jesus calls us
Each to see eternal worth.

King of kings he stoops to meet us
In the straw where cattle feed,
And he reigns in suffering’s story
From the cross of mortal need.

Dusty feet and weary bodies –
Jesus washes you and me;
Kneels and loves us – as a servant –
Shows us God’s humility.

This is how the world needs loving:
Simple acts of care each day –
In the needs of friend and stranger
We encounter in life’s way.

Author of the earth and heavens
Sets aside all pride and show;
Love redeems in loss and pity
This is what the world must know.

In my neighbour Christ is present –
Human dust brings God to earth;
As a servant Jesus calls us
Each to see eternal worth.

© Neil Thompson 2006

A Hymn of the Cross

Birth gives us life, sentenced to perish;
Creation’s truth: time brings the grave.
Joined now by God, Jesus our brother,
Dying, to set us free!

Christ on the Cross
Blesses the world
Now and for ever.
Christ on the Cross,
True face of love,
Reigns as our King!

Nails in to flesh, noonday’s deep darkness;
Crucified love, Jesus the lamb –
Hold us through time, death’s final moment,
Hand of eternity.

Words of despair, crowd cruelly mocking:
‘Justice’ is done – world’s ruling ways.
History’s cross – whose is the triumph?
– Love’s cry of agony!

Christ dies today, countless the moments
We drive the nails into the Tree.
Lord, in this pain, redeem your people,
Broken humanity.

Sign for the world, changing our values:
Rescues the lost no one can save.
Here is the hope, love beyond measure,
God of humility.

Who rules our world? What do we worship?
Is gold our god? …or is it ‘me’?
Crucified God, sharing your mercy,
Forgive our treachery.

(for Adrian & Sarah Jane and the Church of Holy Cross, Motspur Park)

© Neil Thompson 2003