We are near the end of our forty-day Lenten journey with Jesus, focusing on repentance, renewal, reconciliation, and God’s relationship with us through Jesus Christ, in anticipation of the cross and empty tomb. Holy week, the center of the church’s year, is one of striking contrasts: Jesus rides into Jerusalem surrounded by shouts of glory, only to be left alone to die on the cross, and abandoned by even his closest friends. Mark’s gospel presents Jesus in his complete human vulnerability: agitated, grieved, scared, forsaken. Though we lament Christ’s suffering and all human suffering, we also expect God’s salvation. Jesus promises that his death will mark a new covenant with all people. We enter this holy week thirsty for the completion of God’s astonishing work.