The most sacred time in the church year.
As we begin the Triduum, I always like to reflect on what this all really means. For me, this is when I truly see Jesus as human.
The Last Supper; This is when Jesus gives us the most important gift; the Eucharist. And he did this by breaking bread with his friends. What a great reminder to take the time to share a meal with those you love. Family dinners are a great way to reconnect in this busy world. Even if it can't happen everyday, I would encourage you to set a goal of family dinner once a week.
Jesus knew he was going to die. And he knew it was to save us. But for that brief moment in the garden, when he asks his Father to take the burden away, we see that Jesus is a lot like us. To see him vulnerable is an incredible moment for me. I am guilty of feeling as though my struggles are more than others. I think we all can be that way. But knowing Jesus felt that way, yet still accepted his fate, which was death on a cross, reminds me to face challenges head on and with courage.
I have known several people who have suffered greatly from illness and disease. Health issues that would eventually take their lives. And these people knew this would happen. And I believe it was because of their deep faith and relationship with Jesus that they were able to accept that death was coming, make peace with it, and die with dignity and grace. (I'm talking about you, JJ!)
As a mother, I also think about Mary. How difficult it must have been to watch your only son be persecuted, tortured and nailed to a cross. I had the privilege of attending the Agnus Dei presentation last weekend at St. Eds. Paula Moore, who has a gorgeous voice, sang a song called "Silently". The song was about Mary as she silently stood in the crowd and watched her son travel to his death. It was a beautifully haunting reminder of the great faith of Mary. As the tears streamed down my face, I put myself in Mary's shoes. What grief she must have felt watching her son suffer, yet her constant faith allowed her to do what God asked her to do so many years ago; bear the Son of God and watch him suffer and die.
So as we enter into these last days of Lent, let's try to focus on the real meaning of it all; we live because HE died.
Wishing you a safe and blessed Easter!
