Emphasizing Holy Week
After almost 10 years of being Catholic and 9 Lents as a revert to the faith, it dawned on me on Passion Sunday (Palm Sunday) why the Church really emphasizes the importance of holy week. (Yes, I know, I am a slow learner!) The priest reminded us in his homily that this week we have the opportunity to reflect on Christ's passion, death and resurrection FOR OUR SINS, and pray that God uses the liturgies and devotions of this week to bring us closer to Him. The Church has been encouraging the faithful for 2000 years to pay extra-special attention to the story of our salvation this week. It gives me chills to think that I am given the opportunity to participate in all the events of Holy Week and walk together again with Jesus Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary and the apostles. Why do we do this? For only one reason- to bring us closer to Christ and bring others with us to heaven. That's what the gospel is all about: "Salvátor mundi, salva nos, qui per crucem et resurrectiónem tuam liberásti nos."
"Save us, Savior of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection, you have set us free.”
(Memorial Acclamation, concluding the Eucharistic prayer)
"Save us, Savior of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection, you have set us free.”
(Memorial Acclamation, concluding the Eucharistic prayer)
posted by Russ Rentler, M.D. | 5:27 PM
2 Comments:
Isn't it so wonderful though, being forced to confront our sin as an annual observance? After just two Lenten seasons back in the Church, I am in awe of how the Lenten season (and especially Holy Week) bring me nose to nose with my sin. Who could ever leave a Holy Thursday mass without feeling convicted and humbled by the silent, empty tabernacle? Sometimes life gets busy and we "forget" about the awesome price Christ paid for our salvation. Holy Week brings that busyness to a screeching halt and forces us to remember.
I'm a slow learner too, but better to be a slow learner than to never learn or want to learn. And Catholics celebrate Easter in an OCTAVE! Not just a one day celebration for the AMAZING RESURRECTION of JESUS for us!!! :D
Post a Comment
Home