In this week we call Holy, the Church celebrates the most ancient and beautiful rites in its spiritual heritage. These are the most important days of the whole Church year, even though they don’t get tagged as “holy days of obligation.”
Lent ended last evening (Thursday) at sundown and we entered the Paschal Triduum (“three holy days”). The Triduum, as was mentioned here yesterday, is one feast, celebrated over three days. The “three days” are numbered from sundown Holy Thursday to sundown Good Friday; from sundown Good Friday to sundown Holy Saturday; and from sundown Holy Saturday to sundown Easter Sunday.
The key liturgical “moments” of this one feast are the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper (Thursday night), the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion (on Friday), and the Easter Vigil and the remaining Easter Masses (celebrated Sunday morning). All of these liturgies are rich and beautiful in symbol, ritual, prayer, and song. It is a shame that the virus has had such an impact on our gatherings again this year. But last year they were canceled entirely. Nonetheless, they remain the most important feasts of our faith!
Next year! Yes, next year our community will renew the celebrations of these days in earnest. In the meantime, please continue to sign up for our limited attendance Masses in the coming Easter season and “join us” today at 3pm for our Good Friday Service.
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For all who will join us today from home: be sure to set aside time to give thanks and praise to the One who set aside His life for us – that we might have forgiveness of our sins and the gift of God’s peace. Take St. Paul at his word: “We should glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, for He is our salvation, our life and resurrection; through Him we are saved and made free! – Galatians 6,14
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Bishop Robert Barron and the Stations of the Cross: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJNjtA-Awb4
The Stations of the Cross with Pope Francis (2021): https://youtu.be/80RVJXFnNZs
Good Friday Service from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (April 2 at 5:30pm): https://vimeo.com/531461621
