In 2017 my wife and I visited the vineyards of Sonoma County, California, stopping at two different winemakers to sample their product. At the first place we stood under a small tent sipping some of the various wines produced there and ended up buying a few bottles of Chardonnay. I remember, as we were leaving, the owner running out waving the half finished tasting bottle and placing it in our hands. 

At another winemaker we sat in the lounge atop a large hill and looked out through the glass at the majestic scene below us: rolling hills and vines stretching out as far as the eye could see. There, too, we were tasting the various wines before deciding on the right one. The bottles were subsequently posted to Delaware. We still have one left.

I signed up for emails from the last winemaker, and their tempting offers have been landing in my inbox ever since. However, in the sober light of day, I have realized that better value can be had from Kreston’s down the road in Wilmington. At least, that is the current state of play. If tariffs on wine from France become 400%, I may change my mind.

For the time being, I enjoy reading about the wines I may end up buying a year from now. Yesterday, there was an email enticing me to buy a 2023 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. The description of it is a doozy. 

The fresh ocean spray and mineral aromas of waves crashing against coastal cliffs leap out of the glass, seamlessly interwoven with succulent cranberry, pomegranate, and tart cherry fruit and a dash of clove and anise spice. The silky texture of the palate carries a brightness of blue and red berry fruits, like beams of sunshine poking through foggy mist. 

If I hadn’t pursued the path to ordination, I would have liked to have been a wine writer. Leaving aside the obvious attraction of being paid to drink wine, it would have given me an opportunity to flex my creative muscles and spin words that come as close to poetry as it is possible to get.

This a long introduction to something more serious which is taking place over the next few days. It has a Latin name: the Triduum. That is the title for the three days of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter, which represent the great drama of Jesus’ Passion, Death and Resurrection. It is the most important celebration of the year.

I could spend some time describing the three days to you, but to understand them fully you really need to experience the unfolding drama first hand. On Maundy Thursday, you have the opportunity to join Jesus and the disciples for the institution of the Last Supper, and later to pray with Jesus in the Garden at Gethsemane. On Good Friday, you can experience the bleak, cold reality of death - an unjust death, suffered by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I guarantee it will break your heart. Like the first witnesses, we observe the crucifixion and leave in silence - words cannot express what has happened.

Finally, there is…please come to church and find out. If I had to, I would describe it in the language of a wine writer. It is “like beams of sunshine poking through foggy mist.” In Maundy Thursday the mist descends and on Good Friday it completely engulfs us. In faith we wait for the beams of sunshine to poke through and light up the day. That will be Easter morning.

This year, I pray you will enter into the Jesus’ story - our story - in all of its drama and consequence. Give yourself up to God and let him teach your heart about love and sacrifice, suffering and salvation. In the profoundly moving events of the next few days, God reveals his plan and purpose for the whole human race.

Afterwards, there will be time to gather around a table with family and friends and thank God for what he has done. Our response is best expressed in the words of the hymn, “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.” 

And, if you are intending to celebrate on Easter Day, may I recommend roast lamb, and a glass or two of pinot noir. 

Have a blessed Triduum and Happy Easter.

Father David