This past weekend with Palm Sunday we began Holy Week. As I mentioned at Mass, the liturgies of Holy Week are so rich and beautiful, and celebrating them is a great way to feed and nourish our souls.
On Holy Thursday, we celebrate the Mass of the Lord’s Supper and recall that first Eucharist—when Jesus gathered with the Twelve to celebrate His last supper with those whom He loved so dearly. What happened in the Upper Room is an everlasting memorial that we, privileged and deeply blessed, remember each and every time we gather at the altar of God to celebrate the Eucharist. Jesus is very clear to remind the Twelve to, “do this, in remembrance of me.” As we eat His Body and drink His Blood, we are given new life. As the Gospel of Saint John tells us, “whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and I will raise him on the last day.” The Eucharist is the very source and summit of our Christian faith.
On Good Friday, we hear once again the reading of the Passion and experience the painful and excruciating crucifixion of Jesus. We walk the Via Dolorosa and focus on the pain and beauty of the cross. For many, this day is one of sadness and suffering—as it was for the Christ. For others, this day is a day of great hope and promise of the mystery of heaven that is to be for those who are baptized in His name and follow his laws and decrees faithfully as disciples of Christ and His Word.
Holy Saturday is a day when the Church gathers as One throughout the world and we welcome into the Church, the elect of God—those men and women who will be baptized and brought into full communion with the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. At the Vigil, we listen attentively to the history of salvation – how in the Old Testament, God promises humanity that He will save us from our sins and give us salvation through one person—the New Adam, Jesus Christ. The Church in all her glory joyfully welcomes new Catholic Christians into the fold and proclaims Easter Joy!
I renew my invitation to join us for some, if not all, of these holy days (see the schedule below). May God continue to bless you and your families, and fill you with the hope of the resurrection!
- Fr. Joe
