As we have journeyed as a parish through Lent, we have heard and responded to Jesus’ message of mercy. On Ash Wednesday, we embraced the Lenten disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. At our sessions on Living with Limits, Living Well and Social Justice & Works of Charity: The Two Feet of Love in Action, we explored the implications of Christ’s message of mercy, his desire to heal our broken relationships with one another and with the earth, our common home. The Cross in the sanctuary, covered with our transformed hearts, affixed to the nails in the wood, stands as a visual reminder of our Lenten mission on the theme Rich in Mercy: The Gift of Forgiveness, in which Fr. Mike Shaw led us on a personal journey to the healing power of Christ in the sacrament of Reconciliation. Truly, we have responded to Pope Francis’ call to celebrate a Jubilee Year of God’s mercy and love!

This week, we enter into the heart of the liturgical year: the Paschal Triduum, a single symphony in four distinct movements, from Thursday evening to Sunday morning. Holy Thursday evening, we celebrate the self-gift of Christ. We imitate Jesus’ gesture of humble, foot-washing service; “in memory of Him”, we celebrate the Eucharist, sharing the bread and wine which become his Body and Blood, keeping vigil with him in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. On Good Friday, we reflect on Christ’s Passion and Death: venerating the Cross in the solemn afternoon liturgy, re-enacting the Way of his Cross in the evening service led by the youth of our parish. Saturday is spent in the tomb with Jesus – in prayer and fasting, in anticipation of the Easter Vigil: the “Night of all Nights”, in which the new fire is blessed, the Paschal Candle raised up to the chant of the Exsultet, and fragrant flowers fill the sanctuary to the return of the Gloria and Alleluia chants. Along with our RCIA candidates Sarah, Sophy, Kevin and Zoe, we will renew the vows of our own Baptism and Confirmation, celebrating with them the gift of the Holy Spirit and the call to the Eucharist. The joy of the Resurrection carries over onto Easter Sunday morning, continuing with special solemnity for a week, and through the fifty days of the Easter season, culminating with the Feast of Pentecost.

The Easter Triduum is the high point of the whole liturgical year. It is indeed the “greatest show on earth”: please take part as much as you possibly can! Invite a friend or family member, especially one who does not come to church regularly, to share this special time with us. Together, let us celebrate Jesus, our Crucified and Risen Lord, our source of grace and mercy. Blessed Holy Week to you all!