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March 23, 2024This week the Church enters into Holy Week while the secular world begins March Madness. I’ve said it before, I’m a big fan of sports. However, I’m sure one of these events will get a lot more coverage nationally than the other (and its going to be the one that has no impact on our salvation…much easier to write with Bonas not in the field ha!).
Though very different, someone can likely think of similarities between these two events but I would like to speak about one specific similarity--the fact that every day is significant. Everyone knows that when it comes to the tournament, its win or go home (or survive and advance if you are also a fan of the ESPN 30 for 30 on the 1983 NC State Wolfpack). Nobody would tell a player that the first round isn’t an important game, because we’ve experienced that top teams can get knocked out at any time (just ask the 2018 Virginia Cavaliers or 2023 Boilermakers). Yet many of us have not yet experienced the fullness of Holy Week due to one reason or another (I am not talking about work/childcare/school commitments, medical reasons, or other legitimate issues which may arise). I am talking about those who can attend but haven’t because it has never been part of their experience. This is a good year to change that because, in many ways, we need the graces of Holy Week now more than ever.
With all the trials we are experiencing as a diocese, country and people, this week draws us into the reality of Christ’s love for us. Jesus knows us and desires to transform us. To bring about the transformation, Jesus gave us the gift of the Church. This week we celebrate the gift of the Church at St. Joseph Cathedral on Tuesday of Holy Week at the Chrism Mass. Jesus gave us the gifts of the Eucharist and the Priesthood that we can celebrate on Holy Thursday at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. Jesus gave us the great witness of His love on the Cross that we can experience at St. John the Evangelist on Good Friday. Jesus gave us not only a light in the midst of darkness but also continues to inspire the hearts of members of our community to enter into the Church or to be received into full communion; a reality we can celebrate at St. Bonaventure on the Easter Vigil.
This upcoming week is going to go by fast. It will seem like we move from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday in the blink of an eye. I ask you to please take some time this week in silent prayer as we prepare for the coming Easter celebrations. Please consider joining our community for a part or the whole Triduum. And especially I ask you to pray for all those who will be receiving the Easter Sacraments this year, especially those members of our own community.
In Christ,
Fr. Chris
