HOLY WEEK

MARCH 15, 2008

We call this week before Easter “Holy Week” because during this time the Church celebrates those unique events which constitute the mysteries of our redemption. Let us recall those wonderful events.

Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into his own city of Jerusalem. The crowds receive him with shouts of, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, the king of Israel!” (Jn 12:13). Sadly, some of the same people, a few days later, would cry out, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” Some would stand along the way of the cross to mock and jeer at him. How revealing those events were of human nature under the influence of sin. Nonetheless, Jesus’ triumphal entry gives us a glimpse of his future coming in glory, when all nations and peoples will hail him as Lord and Savior. In this way, we enter Holy Week with the final victory and glory already on the distant horizon.

So that the celebrations of Holy Week may not be overly demanding on priests and people, we celebrate the Chrism Mass a week before Holy Thursday. At this Mass I consecrate the holy chrism that will be used in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders (as well as in the dedication of churches and altars). I also bless the oil of catechumens, used in the preparation of those to be baptized, and the oil of the sick used in the Sacrament of the Anointing. All the priests gather with me for this Mass as a living witness of their communion with me and together we renew our commitment to priestly service.

The Easter Triduum (“three days”) begins on Holy Thursday. This is the culmination of the Church’s entire year of worship. On Holy Thursday we celebrate the institution of the Eucharist and of the priesthood. In the Gospel according to St. Luke (22:14-20), we read: “When the hour came, he took his place at table with the apostles. He said to them: ‘I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, for I tell you, I shall not eat it again until there is fulfillment in the Kingdom of God.’ Then He took a cup, gave thanks, and said: ‘Take this and share it among yourselves ... Then He took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them saying, ‘This is My body which will be given for you; do this in memory of Me.’ And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying: This cup is the new covenant in My blood which will be shed for you.’” The Eucharistic Sacrifice of the Mass is the unbloody perpetuation of Jesus’ bloody sacrifice on Calvary. In saying “Do this in memory of me,” Jesus gave the Twelve the powers of the priesthood. In the washing of the feet we commemorate Jesus’ washing of the feet of his Apostles, and ritualize our commitment to imitate him in humble service to others.

On Good Friday we accompany Jesus as he freely hands himself over to suffering and death in atonement for our sins, so that we might have life. The minister chants, “Behold the wood of the cross, on which hung the Savior of the world,” and all sing, “Come, let us worship!” All worship the Lord, and venerate the cross, usually with a kiss, as a sign of their love, devotion, and surrender to him who died for us.

The Easter Vigil is the greatest and most exalted of all solemnities in the Church’s year. The agonizing and ignominious way in which Jesus died makes his resurrection all the more glorious and triumphant. The Easter Vigil begins with the blessing of a fire, from which the great Paschal Candle is lit. The candle symbolizes Christ, the Light of the World, overcoming the darkness of sin. The cantor sings, “Christ the Light!” and all respond, “Thanks be to God.”

Then the Easter Proclamation is sung, which calls on all creation to rejoice in the Lord’s resurrection. The drama of God’s mighty deeds and of salvation history is proclaimed in the Old and New Testament readings. New members are added to the Church through the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Confirmation, and first Eucharist. They renounce sin and profess the faith of the Church. Then all the gathered faithful renew their baptismal commitment to renounce sin and embrace Christ as Lord and Savior.

Again and again the congregation sings, “Alleluia!” Easter is the greatest day of the Church’s year, corresponding to the greatest event wrought by God in human history. I heartily encourage everyone to participate in the liturgies of Holy Week. It is the best way to prepare our hearts to enter into the joy of Easter Sunday! May our participation in the liturgies of this week renew our faith and joy, and be a sign to all of the light and life of Christ which is within us.

+Bishop Raymundo J. Peña

last updated 10-Nov-2009 15:45 sitemap