I am repeating this column from last week's bulletin so that perhaps in re-reading it you might deepen your intention to come to walk with the Lord throughout the week. Also, I am aware that perhaps some of our brothers and sisters are here today who might not have had the opportunity to be with us for awhile. They are not only welcome today but at all times.
This week we enter into the most sacred time in the liturgical year. Beginning with the celebration of Palm Sunday and continuing through Eastertide we witness the mystery of God's love in the suffering, death, and resurrection of the Son, Jesus Christ. The Church invites us to commemorate each moment of His salvific journey by participating in each and every service.
On the first day of the week, with the people of Jerusalem, we cry out Hosanna to the Messiah. He enters through the gate of the Holy City. Unfortunately, many of those who greet Him on this day will join those who seek His destruction. We will participate in the Eucharist in which the Gospel will be proclaimed recalling that triumphal entrance. We will receive the branches held by those who hailed the Son of David. We will then hear the evangelist's relating to us the Passion. Unlike other days we are actually called upon to participate in the reading. "As the voice of the people we cry out "Crucify Him! Crucify Him." We must realize that this is not merely ritual for when we sin we betray the Lord. When we sin, we contribute to His suffering. When we sin, we stand with those who rejected Him.
Throughout the week our parish will offer the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We have written in this column many times about both the blessing and need for confession. What a shame that God's forgiveness is so near and yet not grasped! What a glorious Easter awaits those who enter into the sacramental conversation in which weakness and sin is admitted and forgiveness and absolution is bestowed.
This year, as in many other parishes, we will celebrate Tenebrae on the mornings of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. This service comprises the Office of Readings and Morning Prayer from the Prayer of the Church which is recited each day by deacons and priests. It includes psalms, readings from the Church Fathers, and general intercessions. What a wonderful way to consecrate the start of these most meaningful days.
On Thursday evening, we hope all our parishioners will gather to celebrate the Mass of the Lord's Supper. As it begins we will welcome the holy oils blessed by Cardinal Egan at the Chrism Mass of Holy Tuesday. After the homily Father Francis Perry and myself will renew our priestly promises first made at our ordination. To concretize my commitment to you as your shepherd I will wash the feet of twelve parishioners as Christ bathe those of the Apostles. This act is but a reminder that all of us are called to serve one another. At the conclusion of the Mass we will invite all those attending to process to the repository where the Blessed Sacrament will be reserved until Midnight. Until then we have the opportunity to spend some time in quiet reflection. We will spend precious moments with the Master who accepted the cup of suffering for our sakes.
On Good Friday we will mark the hours of Christ's crucifixion with a three hour reflection on His seven last words. Commencing at Noon we will meditate on their meaning for us today. At three the Solemn Liturgy will begin. Remembering the suffering servant of Isaiah we will hear the words of John's Gospel. We will pray for the Church, those who follow other religious traditions, and all who lead us as well as all who need God's grace. Veneration of the Cross follows with a Communion rite. In silence then the community departs. (As is our tradition here, prior to this liturgy the Novena of Divine Mercy begins. This devotion begun in Poland as a result of the Visions of Saint Faustina focuses our attention on our need to trust in Jesus. Modern life is sometimes very difficult and we lose our way in faith and moral living. The Lord wants us to return to Him. We will not necessarily be shielded from life's woes but we will know the presence of Christ at our side). Each week we have celebrated the Stations of the Cross. During Holy Week we join our Christian brothers and sisters in Pleasant Valley and recognize the unity we have in the Crucified One. We will gather as always at the Presbyterian Church and conclude the service here.
Perhaps one of the most beautiful liturgies of our church is that of the Easter Vigil. We have experienced the dark moments of Good Friday, we have prayed before the empty tabernacle, and we have blessed our food in anticipation of the greatest event about to unfold. The darkness is broken by the holy fire, from which the Paschal candle will be lit. The deacon sings "Light of Christ". He enters our sanctuary: Jesus spreads His light and we are soon surrounded by the hope of Easter joy. We exult in hymn and then through the readings we celebrate the unfolding of God's eternal promise. In response to this Divine action not only will we renew our own Baptismal promises and be blessed with the water that recalls our entrance into the People of God, but we will also witness two of His servants completing their initiation into the Church and another being received into the Catholic community. As the three are confirmed in the faith you and I are privileged to welcome them to the table of the Lord where His sacrifice is re-presented in an unbloody way.
Each of these days with attendant ceremonies is precious. I pray that each person reading these words will come and be a part of each. Don't hesitate to invite another. Perhaps that is all that is necessary for the Lord to speak to their hearts. At these rites let us pray for one another and our wonderful parish.
Vivat Jesus
Fr. Brian
