Rev. Madeline challenges the common “Doubting Thomas” framing, arguing that Thomas’s skepticism after Jesus’ brutal crucifixion was reasonable and shared by other disciples, including Mary Magdalene and Peter. Drawing on Barbara Brown Taylor, she highlights how resurrection upends what seemed certain about death and power, making the disciples’ need for proof and understanding deeply human. She presents resurrection as a central mystery of Christian faith, echoed in Eucharistic Prayer A, and contends that doubt should not be shamed or treated as the opposite of belief but seen as wonder-filled engagement with God’s work beyond human logic. Citing Rev. Ethan Lowry, she shifts the focus from intellectual certainty to trusting that death does not win and asking, in light of Christ’s death and resurrection, “How now shall we live?”

00:00 Opening Prayer

00:24 Rethinking Doubting Thomas

01:43 Trauma And Disbelief

03:46 Resurrection As Mystery

05:41 Doubt Without Shame

07:21 Belief And Wonder Together

08:09 How Then Shall We Live

09:21 Closing Doxology

Mother Susan invites listeners to “walk with Jesus” through Holy Week, drawing on John’s Gospel and the spiritual “I Want Jesus to Walk with Me.” Reflecting on the passion narrative written decades after Jesus’ death, she emphasizes that the crucifixion was not a surprise but the completion of Jesus’ steadfast mission amid the clash between Roman violent power and a covenant of love. She recounts Jesus’ purposeful entry into Jerusalem alongside Pilate’s intimidating military display, Jesus’ arrest and abuse, and Pilate’s role in the death sentence. Citing “God so loved the world” and Jesus’ words “It is finished,” she presents the cross as a paradox: a horrific death that becomes a sign of God’s overflowing love, reconciliation, forgiveness, and the opening to eternal life, urging silent vigil on Holy Saturday and reflection on how to live this gift.

00:00 Opening Prayer

00:32 Choosing Jesus to Walk With

01:28 John’s Passion Lens

03:13 Jesus’ Mission and Purpose

04:40 Palm Sunday Clash of Powers

07:01 Arrest and Pilate’s Trial

08:37 The Cross and It Is Finished

10:39 Paradox of the Cross

11:35 Holy Saturday Silence

11:58 What Will We Do

Rev. Madeline reflects on Maundy Thursday readings from 1 Corinthians and John, highlighting Paul’s words of institution for the Lord’s Supper and Jesus washing his disciples’ feet. She explains Paul’s correction of Corinthian abuses where the wealthy feasted while the poor went without, emphasizing the Eucharist as remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice and unity in the body of Christ. She describes foot washing as a shocking, menial act of love and service that the church reenacts, along with sharing bread and wine and stripping the altar, to enter Jesus’ final night. Sharing her own journey into the Episcopal Church, she stresses worship that engages head, heart, and body, praying these rituals immerse believers in Christ’s service, suffering, and love so resurrection glory can be known deeply at Easter.

00:00 Opening Prayer

00:18 Eucharist Remembered

01:50 Foot Washing Love

02:44 Rituals Shape Worship

03:34 Becoming Episcopalian

05:49 Entering Holy Week

06:55 Service and Grace

07:25 Becoming What We Receive

08:04 Stripping the Altar

09:21 Invitation to Participate