PASTOR’S NOTES
In addition to the liturgical ceremonies which we discussed last week in this column there are quite a few ways in which we might celebrate the Paschal Mystery. In the first place, throughout this sacred time, we have the opportunity of entering into deeper relationship with the divine through the reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Purposefully, Father Perry and I have scheduled many hours for confessions on every day save Holy Thursday. On Wednesday evening we will conduct a Communal Penance Service. (This term should be understood correctly. When the liturgical renewal of Penance took place the result was three distinct rites. The first is private confession. The second is the communal penance service during which an individual confesses privately and receives absolution. The third is the service during which general absolution is administered. This final option is to be celebrated only by way of emergency i.e. lack of clergy, war, or another unforeseen circumstance. When it does take place the chancery must be notified immediately as to the circumstances. And the faithful must be informed that at the earliest possible moment they are to confess their grievous sins to a priest. Our penance services and that of most of our parishes are of the second type.) Nothing would bring greater joy to your priests than seeing long lines of the faithful seeking the Lord’s mercy. One of our parishioners shared with me a quote from Father Francis Xavier Seelos. It is most apropos that we spend some time thinking about it as we make our personal examination of conscience: “None of the damned was ever lost because his sin was too great, but because his trust was too small.” What a guarantee of Divine Mercy!
In the lives of religious the hours of prayer centered their existence and spiritual understandings. Of late the church has invited the prospect of the laity adopting this liturgical devotion. This is especially true during Holy Week. Tenebrae takes place on the mornings of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. Its name means shadows or darkness. This appellation is due to the fact that in former days when it was celebrated in monasteries the rite occurred in the late evening or early morning. It comprises the Office of Readings and Morning Prayer, which were formerly known as Matins and Lauds. In addition to the usual psalms and readings of the hours there are three Lamentations sung on each day. They are attributed to Jeremiah the prophet. The principal ceremony of Tenebrae is the gradual extinguishing of candles upon a stand in the sanctuary called a hearse. (Here at St. Stanislaus we utilize Benediction candelabra.) Join us each morning at 9:00 a.m. for this important service.
On Friday evening, we will conduct the Stations of the Cross in which for one final time this Lent we will walk with Jesus from the moments of His arrest and condemnation through his torturous struggle under the weight of the cross and the derision of the crowd to the top of Calvary’s hill and death on a Friday afternoon. This system of meditations augments the devotions of earlier. If attendance is impossible for some at the afternoon rites then this is an excellent way to conclude our Good Friday. As in the Solemn Liturgy, the opportunity will be given to venerate the cross.
Last year, I added a para-liturgical experience for the hours of noon to three p.m. At that time we contemplated on the seven last words (or in English parlance, phrases) that Jesus uttered from the Cross. They show forth the pathos of the events which will ultimately result in our salvation. This year, we will once again join together in reflection upon Our Lord’s utterances. Though laudatory, it is not necessary that one attends the whole three hours. This Good Friday we will augment the Scripture readings, psalm responses, and periods of silence, with the efforts of our new string ensemble. When Jesus cries out “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do,” we realize in a unique way that not only included are His contemporaries: Jews and Gentiles, but also ourselves. We receive consolation of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s presence in our lives as the Lord gifted us: “Behold, your Mother!” The example of confidence in the Father’s Will is evident as He “commends His Life.” During this time of meditation at 2:45 p.m. we will begin the Novena of the Divine Mercy which concludes on the Second Sunday of Easter. The Chaplet, which was encouraged by Saint Faustina, reminds us that in this present age we must cry out “Jesus, I trust in You” as so many individuals and institutions disappoint us. Pope John Paul II recognized the special qualities this devotion brings to our modern age. He encouraged us to “be not afraid” as we proclaim Christ and reject what his successor has called “the tyranny of relativism.” In face of fiscal and moral bankruptcy, we must call upon the advocacy of Jesus to preserve whatever is virtuous in our society and to banish that which is destructive.
As we go about preparing ourselves spiritually for the Lord’s Resurrection, we know that there are many family obligations to be fulfilled, especially welcoming others to the festive table. Therefore, the Church has the custom of blessing the Easter foods. We celebrate the Lord’s bounty. The fast of Lent is over, “the bridegroom is with us.” Whether it’s small or great we realize that our feast too is God’s gift to His people. Come Holy Saturday and see His blessing.
May our Holy Week prayerfulness lead to a grace-filled Easter.
Vivat Jesus
Fr. Brian
