“I have given you a model to follow,
so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”
I like to sit and contemplate this mosaic depicting the Last Supper, especially on Holy Thursday. Each little piece is a part of the whole picture. As catholics, each of us are members of the Body of Christ—and of the whole world.
Holy Week culminates in the Paschal Triduum (pronounced ˈtɹɪ.dju.əm), the three days (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday) commemorating the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many Christians prepare for this event with 40 days of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving.
In this festival, Christ’s saving work is commemorated by the Church with the utmost solemnity. Through the liturgy of the Triduum, the Church is intimately united with Christ and shares in his passage from death to life. The Triduum begins with the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, reaches its high point in the Easter Vigil, and concludes with Evening Prayer on Easter Sunday. (Roman Missal)
“As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body…and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.” (Corinthians 12:12-13, New American Bible). ” If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy.” (Corinthians 12:26, New American Bible).
O God, in the fullness of time you revealed your love in Jesus the Lord.
Roman Liturgy
Today, the Triduum begins. This year, even though we are not together physically, the mystery is still present and the anticipation is still pronounced. Christ’s life, death and resurrection will take place! Mass is still celebrated! Let us partake in The Meal spiritually, on this most holy of nights.
O God, in the fullness of time you revealed your love in Jesus the Lord. On the eve of his death, as a sign of your covenant, he washed the feet of his disciples and gave himself as food and drink. Give us life at this sacred banquet and joy in humble service. (Roman Liturgy)
In the past few weeks, even though we are all suffering our own crosses (some crosses more evident than others), I have noticed a kindness in people. When taking walks, many people walking by or driving by wave in a friendly manner. I take this gesture as a form of solidarity. Tonight, Christians around the world will hold a heavenly banquet in their hearts in whatever form that is available to them as a form of solidarity.
Blessings dear friends,
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