For the past forty days we have prayed with Jesus in the desert. In silence, we battled our own weaknesses. Jesus was tempted three times and triumphed. In the desert, we learned from Jesus obedience to the will of the Father. He prepared himself for the mission ahead - the ultimate sacrifice he would offer to the Father for the salvation of mankind.
Last Sunday we entered Jerusalem with Jesus - the Son of David. While we have all longed to be in church with our faith communities, we have been praying in our homes, and so we were united in spirit as the holiest week of the year began.
Centered on two important aspects of our faith, Holy Thursday brings us the gift of the Eucharist and the priesthood. The vocation of the priest is centered on the Eucharist. It is through the priest that the presence of Jesus - body and blood - becomes real during the Mass.
Good Friday takes us to the height of Christ’s sacrifice - his death on the cross. By offering his life, atonement and salvation became accessible through faith. Jesus, the Lamb of God, is both the offering and the offerer.
Holy Saturday leaves us with nothing but grief and sadness for the death of Jesus.
Let us continue to observe our traditions while staying home. There are activities and devotions that we can do to observe Holy Week. As a family, continue to pray together. (Visit our home page for links to liturgical materials). If you need some spiritual counselling or would like to make a confession, feel free to call me at the rectory. I am available if you need someone to listen to you or to pray with you.
God is with us in our struggles during this time of challenge. Our faith invites us to deepen our faith in God. If there is one thing that we should remember while trying to survive this ordeal is that Jesus died for us so that we may all live.
Trust in God.