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Dear Friends in Christ,
Many stories we watch on cable television or internet streaming channels are told over a series of different episodes that, at times, will continue over many seasons. The Catholic Christian narrative has done this for centuries in its celebration of the climactic moments in the life of Jesus in his suffering, death, and resurrection. As you read this, we are on the second day of the “Triduum” celebration, a single liturgy that spans three days.
We gathered yesterday on “Holy Thursday” to commemorate the Supper of the Lord, and the gift of Christ’s body and blood we share in the Eucharist. Today, on “Good Friday,” we ponder the wondrous love of Christ, as we remember his passion and death. Tomorrow we will gather for the great “Easter Vigil” to celebrate the resurrection of Christ from the dead. This hope and promise of God’s power over sin and death is something we will share with those desiring to join our faith community through the initiation sacraments of baptism, eucharist, and confirmation. This is a moment of great joy which culminates in the Easter Sunday proclamation, “Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!”
The episodes of this story do not end on Easter Sunday, but continue for a full 50 days, when we will enter a new season of life in Christ revealed through the gifts of the Holy Spirit poured out at Pentecost. Here we will consider once more the mission of the body of Christ, the church. While this series has played for centuries, we are never really watching it in reruns. The paschal mystery of the Lord reveals a new encounter with the life of Christ in every moment of our lives. So, let’s stay tuned together to experience the “Greatest Story Ever Told!”
A blessed Easter to all!
Fr. William Heric, Pastor