“This is the day the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad!”
These are the words of Psalm 118 which we sing today. We shout these words in joy filled jubilation for the Lord has risen as he said, This truly IS the day the Lord has made!
What a week this has been…liturgically!
Last week, on Palm Sunday, we rode with Jesus as he entered Jerusalem amid shouts of Hosanna. We raised our palms high during our liturgies shouting those same “hosannas” for “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” This joy was soon shattered as we embraced his passion and death during the reading of the Passion. How quickly the mood changed. The mood of our music echoed this change and we left our liturgy with sounds of the Taizé refrain, “Stay with me, remain here with me. Watch and pray…..” We were catapulted into the days of Holy Week.
And, we watched and prayed.
The Triduum, the Great Three Days, were celebrated with great solemnity and reverence, On Holy Thursday night we began this liturgy that embraced the three days. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians tells how Jesus took the bread and cup saying “Do this in remembrance of me.” Jesus was both Master and servant as he washed the feet of his disciples. This great love that was shown challenged us to be servants as well, for his act means nothing unless we follow this example. Our liturgy did not end, but we were left to watch and pray.
And, we watched and prayed.
Our great liturgy of the Triduum took us to Friday where we continued the great liturgy that began the night before. According to the church’s ancient tradition, mass was not celebrated today. The night began and ended in silence. We heard John’s version of the Passion; we venerated the cross and we received Holy Communion.
And, we watched and we prayed.
The great Triduum liturgy continued through the evening of Saturday, the night of the Great Vigil. We began with the service of light…from the holy fire, our paschal candle is lit and carried high into the church. The Exsultet or Easter Proclamation is sung. We then meditate on all the great things our God has done as we hear the word. And, as the resurrection nears, new members of our church are reborn in Baptism. Together, we are called “to the table of the Lord prepared for his people through death and resurrection. Our great liturgy ends with shouts of Alleluia!
We watched and prayed……..and together we can now raise our voices…for truly….
This IS the day the Lord has made! We rejoice! We are glad! Alleluia!
Happy Easter, my friends!
In Christ’s love,
Scott