By Brea Cannon
Liturgical Rhythm of Life
We have journeyed in the desert this Lent with our Lord; let us all continue to walk with him to Calvary through the events that will take us to the joyous reality of the Resurrection. The Sacred Pascal Triduum begins on Holy Thursday, in the midst of Holy Week. Here are some traditional and modern ways to commemorate each day in addition to a reflection for quiet prayer or to journal.
Palm Sunday: Our Lord is welcomed with loud cheers and shouts of “Hosanna” as he makes his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The priest wears red vestments on this day, as can we, to call to mind the blood that will be shed in the week ahead by our Lord. Have olive oil blessed by a priest today to be used in your home throughout the year and in the days ahead.
Reflect on all of the emotions from Palm Sunday to Easter (Luke 19:28-40).
Holy Monday: Historically this is a day to clean — this custom is to prepare the home for the most important day of the year: Easter. Today Jesus’ friend Mary procures expensive oils to anoint him, to prepare for burial. Bless members of your family with blessed oil.
Reflect on your finest quality, possession or aspiration. Do you, like Mary, give these fine gifts to Jesus (John 12:1-11)?
Holy Tuesday: This day continues and possibly concludes Holy Week cleaning. Begin to plan Easter celebrations and meals so the triduum can be spent in solemn reflection. Today, Jesus announces Judas and Peter’s betrayal and denial.
Attend the diocesan Chrism Mass at 5:30 p.m. April 15 at St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville. Bishop Joseph M. Siegel consecrates and distributes the sacred oils used in Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders.
Reflect on how much Jesus loves you despite your own betrayal through sin (John 13:21-38).
Spy Wednesday: Judas visits the chief priests and makes the promise of an exchange of Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. This is a day to consider giving to others, unlike Judas. Assist in the cost of the church’s Easter flowers or give to a trusted charity. With children or grandchildren, hide 30 silver pieces (quarters) around your home, find them and then donate the coins to the poor box or collection at church.
Reflect on the price paid for our salvation (Matthew 26:14-25; Luke 22:3-6).
Triduum
Holy Thursday: This day commemorates the Last Supper and the Institution of the Eucharist. The Mass of the Lord’s Supper is celebrated in the evening including Mandatum, the rite of washing feet. It is customary to make unleavened bread (recipes use simple ingredients: flour, salt, egg, butter and water) and read the Last Supper account in Luke 22:7-20. In our home, after the account of the Last Supper, each member of the family washes each other’s feet. In the Gospel, John 13:3-20 describes how Jesus washes his apostles’ feet after the Last Supper.
Reflect on Jesus’ words to Peter: “Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me” (John 13:8).
Good Friday: It is a day to fast and abstain from meat with a church service to commemorate the Passion of our Lord and the veneration of the cross. Pray each of the Stations of the Cross and choose at least one hour, possibly in the afternoon, to sit in silence and read an account of Jesus’ Passion. If you have a vigil light in your home, or any unnecessary candle or lamp, extinguish it as darkness comes over the earth this afternoon.
Reflect on the depth of sacrificial love (Luke 23:40-43).
Holy Saturday: Continue your Lenten observances in silence. This day offers up an additional sacrifice. And remember in prayer those joining the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil — write “welcome to the Church” cards to the individuals. This is a day of preparation for the celebrations of Easter — ham is baked, bread baskets are prepared for the priest to bless on Easter morning, eggs are dyed and Easter décor is brought out.
Reflect on the word “hope” and the joy that will be tomorrow (Matthew 27:54).
Holy Week gives us an opportunity to dive into scripture and live with our hearts and minds united with Jesus during his passion and death, and ultimate Resurrection. This year, plan to make Holy Week more than just an event in your year, make it a journey with our Lord.
Brea Cannon is a Diocese of Evansville native and member of St. Peter Parish in Montgomery with her husband, three children and extended family.