Holy Week is my favorite week in the Church's year. It is rich with ritual and meaning. From the Palm Sunday contrast of acclamations to the Gospel of loneliness to the joy of Easter we are confronted at every turn by God's love for us.Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for me have always been quiet days of reflection and preparation. Preparation for Thursday's Paschal Supper and Institution of the Eucharist-the blending of the old and the new.Thursday night Adoration time is a time to spend with Jesus in silent supportive prayer, hoping to stay awake, unlike the apostles. Friday there seems to be a hush over the house, even the world outside as I walk along with Jesus on the way to Golgotha and then the final silence of His death. This silence pervades my world until Holy Saturday. I remember a group of RSCJ Elders from Kenwood who used to have a ritual breakfast out on Holy Saturday morning. They used to say Jesus was no longer suffering so why should they?? So Saturday is preparation for the joys of the Resurrection Vigil Mass in the evening, made even more special if there are adults to be received into full Communion with the Church. It is as though all Christ's suffering came to fruition. The bells ring, the candles are lit and we sing Glory to God in the highest and we celebrate for 50 days. A longer amount of time than we used to prepare for this joyful event! The full range of human emotions are compressed into one week and it ends with joy. What a great metaphor for life.
Cape Cod Cathy
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