We have come to the end of our Lenten journey. The Sunday of the Lord's Passion signals the beginning of the holiest week of the year. More than ever, the Church invites us this whole week to be more reflective in our ways, in our words, in our will. Jesus, today, enters the gate of Jerusalem with two contrasting realities surrounding Him - triumph and defeat, joy and pain. He was hailed as the "Son of David," the Messiah but the cross is awaiting for His climb. He was welcomed like a king with joy and exultation, but his agony awaits His final surrender.
Our liturgy for the holy week is one that is rich in symbolism. The rituals we witness during this week aim to remind us of the truth of Christ's passion and death. The Lenten journey leading to this week, hopefully, helped us prepare to accompany Jesus in His agony and suffering. As the "Body of Christ," we will journey with Jesus from Jerusalem to Calvary and ultimately to His glory in the morning of Easter Sunday.
There are several services that I would earnestly invite you to participate in, so that our observance of this holy week becomes more reflective and meaningful.
On Wednesday, we will have the Tenebrae Service at Saint Mary's. Tenebrae is a beautiful liturgical service observed since the beginning of the early Church, perhaps originating in the catacombs of Rome. Then on Thursday at St Mark's, we will have the commemoration of the "Lords Supper and washing of the feet" - the Institution of the Holy Eucharist and priesthood, where I will share the story of my priestly vocation. On Friday, there will be two services of the Veneration of the Holy Cross - one at Holy Trinity at 3:00 PM and the other at Saint Mark's at 6:30 PM. Take note too that the last Stations of the Cross on Friday will be at Saint Mark's at 8:00 AM.
On Easter Vigil, Saturday at St Mark's, the service starts at 8:30PM on the church lawn. I remind everyone who might be bothered by incense to kindly find a comfortable seat near the back as we will be using incense constantly during the liturgy. The church will also be dimly lit until the Gloria. Please check the entire schedule for this Holy Week, and mark your calendar so that we can all celebrate our faith and observe its rich tradition during this very important week.
Lastly, let us implore the prayer of our Blessed Mother and ask her to walk with us during our observance of Holy Week. She, who suffered with Jesus, is the best person to teach us the lessons of Christ's passion and death. Finally, let us offer all our sacrifices during this entire week for peace of the whole world, for our community and homes, and for all our personal intentions. Amen.
Our liturgy for the holy week is one that is rich in symbolism. The rituals we witness during this week aim to remind us of the truth of Christ's passion and death. The Lenten journey leading to this week, hopefully, helped us prepare to accompany Jesus in His agony and suffering. As the "Body of Christ," we will journey with Jesus from Jerusalem to Calvary and ultimately to His glory in the morning of Easter Sunday.
There are several services that I would earnestly invite you to participate in, so that our observance of this holy week becomes more reflective and meaningful.
On Wednesday, we will have the Tenebrae Service at Saint Mary's. Tenebrae is a beautiful liturgical service observed since the beginning of the early Church, perhaps originating in the catacombs of Rome. Then on Thursday at St Mark's, we will have the commemoration of the "Lords Supper and washing of the feet" - the Institution of the Holy Eucharist and priesthood, where I will share the story of my priestly vocation. On Friday, there will be two services of the Veneration of the Holy Cross - one at Holy Trinity at 3:00 PM and the other at Saint Mark's at 6:30 PM. Take note too that the last Stations of the Cross on Friday will be at Saint Mark's at 8:00 AM.
On Easter Vigil, Saturday at St Mark's, the service starts at 8:30PM on the church lawn. I remind everyone who might be bothered by incense to kindly find a comfortable seat near the back as we will be using incense constantly during the liturgy. The church will also be dimly lit until the Gloria. Please check the entire schedule for this Holy Week, and mark your calendar so that we can all celebrate our faith and observe its rich tradition during this very important week.
Lastly, let us implore the prayer of our Blessed Mother and ask her to walk with us during our observance of Holy Week. She, who suffered with Jesus, is the best person to teach us the lessons of Christ's passion and death. Finally, let us offer all our sacrifices during this entire week for peace of the whole world, for our community and homes, and for all our personal intentions. Amen.
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