Holy Week: We enter the holiest week of the year beginning with Palm Sunday this weekend. We remember the Passover of the Old Testament: God led the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land. It took them 40 years to get there. We celebrate the new Passover. Christ has led us from slavery to sin and death to the new promised land—eternal life with the Father. It’s worth celebrating in thanksgiving after these 40 days of Lent. Please come to the Sacred Triduum, which is one continuous Liturgy: Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Thursday at 7 p.m., followed by Good Friday at 3 p.m. and then the Easter Vigil at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday evening.
Donations: If you are able, there will be baskets at the entrances of our Church to collect a non-perishable food item on Holy Thursday. On Friday there is a collection to support Christians in the Holy Land. Thank you for your generosity.
Elect and Candidates: We are super excited to welcome the Elect (those to be baptized) and the Candidates (those who will receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist) into the Church at the Easter Vigil. Thank you, elect and candidates, for saying “yes.” I am especially grateful to Maddie White, our RCIA Coordinator, and the RCIA team for supporting them through this journey.
Chrism Mass: Every Holy Thursday morning it is the custom for the priests and some of the faithful from each parish of the Diocese of Lansing to attend the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral in Lansing. At this Mass the bishop will bless the oils to be used for the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Anointing of the Sick. Additionally, the priests renew their vows to serve the People of God—that’s all of you! It’s a very special Mass for the priests.
New Martyrs of the Church: Last Sunday we prayed for the four Missionary of Charity Sisters (founded by Mother Teresa) in Yemen who were brutally killed by ISIS as they try to wipe out Christianity. These four sisters were tied to a tree and had their heads battered by guns before being shot in the head. These Sisters will always be remembered for their faith.
Seven Sayings from the Cross: Thought I would share short reflections on the words that Jesus spoke when he was nailed to the Cross. There are seven of these sayings. By the way, in the Scriptures, “seven” is the perfect number.
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46): We can all feel this way at times, especially when things don’t go the way we planned. Jesus’ words are based on Psalm 22, when the writer cries out amidst the trials he is suffering. But in the end, redemption wins out. Jesus is being mocked and mistreated. But redemption is near. The same with the trials and crosses in our life.
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34): Perhaps the first words Jesus said on the cross were ones of forgiveness. Jesus was referring to those who mocked, scourged, tortured, and nailed him to the cross—including us. When someone hurts or wrongs us, these are great words to say.
“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43): These are the words we all long to hear from Jesus. The repentant thief will be with Jesus in heaven because he admitted his need of Jesus’ mercy. May we do the same so that we may be with Him in Paradise.
“Father, into your hands I commit my Spirit!” (Luke 23:46): These are the last words Jesus says on the cross. Jesus teaches us how to die, by commending our Spirit, our life, into the loving mercy of our Father.
“Woman, behold your son! Then he said to the disciple, Behold, your mother.” (John 19:27): Jesus, before He dies, gives us His Mother. Who is the disciple? We all are and Jesus invites us to take our Blessed Mother into our home. Notice the first word “behold.” Great things happen when we behold our Blessed Mother.
“I thirst.” (John 19:28): In the residence of every Missionary of Charity home, founded by Blessed Mother Teresa, there is found the words I thirst beside the crucifix. On the cross, Jesus was thirsty not so much for water but for souls. It’s incredible that Jesus desires us so much that he is willing to give His life for us.
“It is finished.” (John 19:30): Convert to the Catholic faith Scott Hahn remarks that “what is finished” is the celebration of the Passover meal when sour wine was pressed upon his lips. According to the Jewish custom, four cups of wine had to be drunk from to celebrate the Passover. Only three were at the Last Supper. The fourth Jesus consumed on the cross. Jesus is the new Passover Lamb, the Lamb that ‘had to be eaten’ in order to partake of the Passover. How blessed we are to receive the Passover Lamb at every Eucharist!
May you have a blessed Holy Week and please be assured of my love and prayers for you as we journey toward Easter.
Msgr. Jerry