It is that time of year again we prepare for the “holiest of holy days” in our liturgical calendar.
Palm Sunday
Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord. Here we recall how Jesus was greeted on his entry into Jerusalem, with the laying of branches on the roads and to shouts of Hosanna! However, later in the Mass, the Passion of Our Lord is read to remind us of where this triumphant entry would lead our Savior a few days later, his arrest, trial, and crucifixion on the cross, and his Resurrection. The faithful then gather throughout the week for other liturgies each with its special meaning and purpose. These are the days we Catholic Christians value as above all others in celebrating our faith.
Chrism Mass
Since its inception our diocese has celebrated the Chrism Mass on Tuesday of Holy Week. The purpose of this Mass is for the Bishop, the Shepherd of the Diocese, to bless the Oil of Catechumen (for those to be baptized), the Oil of the Sick (for those ill or infirmed), and to consecrate the Holy Chrism (used in Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders, and anointing of a new altar.) In the 1930’s another aspect of the Mass was added and that is that the priests of the diocese gather and recommit themselves to their call to serve the people of God. The faithful are asked to pray for their bishop and priests as they carry out their call to ministry.
Holy Thursday
Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper used to be called Maundi Thursday for its connection to the Lord’s mandate in celebrating the Eucharistic meal as well as his modeling how we are to humbly wash one another’s feet as he does for his apostles. This night ends with a great procession to a place for prayer with the Lord as we wait with him in confinement waiting to be condemned to death.
Good Friday
Friday of the Passion of the Lord is the only day of the year that Mass is not allowed. We gather for a service that calls us to remember the pain and suffering of Christ as he died on the Cross for us. This is a day for quiet reflection as is shown by the way we leave the service in silence. There may also be other devotions associated with this day like the praying of the Mercy Chaplet, Rosary, or Stations of the Cross for those unable to attend the afternoon service.
Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday morning follows with quiet preparations for Easter. All of us continue a “fast” of sorts, by putting off any big meals or great celebrations so that the solemn Easter joy becomes greater as we gather for the Eucharist as well as all the secondary traditions. Those seeking entrance into the Church concentrate their preparations for the evening vigil through prayer in a retreat-like atmosphere. All Christians should feel an air of excitement with adding new members and thus fulfilling the command of Jesus to increase the numbers of baptized! Holy Saturday ends when the sun sets, and darkness brings about the great Easter liturgies.
Easter
Easter begins, as do other solemn days, the “evening before”, in particular, with the Easter Vigil.
At the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night, which is our “ultimate” liturgy of the entire year, we start surrounding a fire that is already burning as we arrive to represent how the Light of Christ has returned after his crucifixion. We listen to our salvation history through the multiple Scripture readings and ultimately to the Gospel of the Resurrection. Then the focus of the vigil takes place, the initiation of new Christians through baptism, confirmation and holy Communion. This vigil is followed by the Masses of Easter Sunday where the faithful gather to give praise and thanks to God. For, it is through the Resurrection of Jesus that our resurrection is made possible. We see our fasting come to an end. The beauty of bright colors, flowers, water, the Paschal Candle burning brightly and joyous hymns mark the greatest of all days in our liturgical calendar.
These liturgies are the basis for all of our liturgies throughout the year. May you take advantage and attend as many of them as possible and have your heart and soul moved, nourished, and sent forth to proclaim the Good News of Christ’s Resurrection.
