“Tenebrae” is Latin for shadows, so this is a service of shadows. In this service we use increasing darkness to dramatize the increasing sadness of Holy Week.
Tenebrae is a prolonged meditation on Christ’s suffering. Readings trace the story of Christ’s passion, music portrays his pathos, and the power of silence and darkness suggests the drama of this momentous day. As lights are extinguished, we ponder the depth of Christ’s suffering and death; we remember the cataclysmic nature of his sacrifice as we hear the overwhelming sound of the “strepitus”; and through the return of the small but persistent flame of the Christ candle at the conclusion of the service, we anticipate the joy of ultimate victory.
We will share in song at times. Other times we will have readings and you may be asked to read with us. When the words are on the screen and anything in bold, you will be asked to read aloud in response.
Tenebrae is a prolonged meditation on Christ’s suffering. Readings trace the story of Christ’s passion, music portrays his pathos, and the power of silence and darkness suggests the drama of this momentous day. As lights are extinguished, we ponder the depth of Christ’s suffering and death; we remember the cataclysmic nature of his sacrifice as we hear the overwhelming sound of the “strepitus”; and through the return of the small but persistent flame of the Christ candle at the conclusion of the service, we anticipate the joy of ultimate victory.
We will share in song at times. Other times we will have readings and you may be asked to read with us. When the words are on the screen and anything in bold, you will be asked to read aloud in response.