The Paschal Triduum-- Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, are my favorite in the Catholic church. Starting when I was a little girl, going to church on Holy Saturday night, each of us being able to hold candles in the dark church that symbolized the Light of Christ. To standing by special friends whom came into the Catholic Church through the RCIA program, becoming Baptized, receiving First Communion, and becoming Confirmed all in the same night. It was more special than words can describe. And to now, Holy Thursday with the washing of the feet, the symbolization of allowing Jesus to wash our feet, to allow Him to help us in our everyday life. To let Him serve us, and then to go and wash other's feet, those others around us. And I love the transferring of the Blessed Sacrament, with the incense, music, honor. It's so beautiful.
But one of the most powerful parts to me, is the Seven Last Words reflection... in the Hour of Mercy, before Jesus died on the cross, He says seven phrases that have so much meaning. A special friend of mine, and my favorite priest, Fr Don Shane, always had the most powerful talk on the Seven Last Words. I have written notes in the past, and want to share a little with you from it.
1) Forgive them ---- after all the terrible pain and suffering, psychological torture, of being crucified that Jesus went through-- this, this is the first thing He says, "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34) I can't even understand that. The greatness of His love for us, is something we won't understand until we are in heaven with Him. But because of His mercy, we should Never doubt the amount of Love He has for us.
2) Today you will be with me in Paradise ---- the thief, the other one crucified asks Jesus to remember Him-- that's all. Who knows if he was ever baptized, ever stepped into a church. All we know is that he performed some terrible crime. But he had the smallest amount of compassion, he didn't want Jesus to die alone. He asked Jesus for that little bit of love. That's all, Didymus, the good thief, stole heaven -- he let Jesus love him. He received this mercy and grace while hanging beside Jesus in suffering. Maybe it's the same for us, receiving Jesus' mercy in any trials we have. "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." (Luke 23:43)
3) Woman, behold your son. Behold your Mother ---- Jesus giving Mary, His Mother, to all of us to be our Mother. What a gift. She gave birth to her firstborn. We are the rest of her children. She is the only one at the foot of the cross, with John the apostle next to her. When she said yes at the Annunciation, she was also saying yes to the cross. By being our Mother, and us receiving her love, she brings us closer to Jesus. She was the one with Him at his death. "When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your Mother." (John 19:25-26)
4) My God, My God, why have you forsaken me ---- this is for anyone who has ever felt depressed, alone, suicidal; who ever felt that they had no one. At this point on the cross, Jesus didn't have anyone want Him-- the people on earth, God in heaven. He felt despair, desolation; He didn't hear God answer back. How many times do we pray, and not hear/feel an answer when we want, in our timing? Jesus understands this pain, this sorrow, this loneliness. He understands our broken heart. "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani? which means, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" (Mathew 27:46)
5) I thirst ---- not for water. He thirsts for our Love! For our souls. Of our letting Him love us. And not with vinegar (on our terms). On giving Him our heart no matter what, no matter what life we are dealt-- giving Him our love. He wants to love us so bad, we just have to let Him in. "I thirst." (John 19:28)
6) It is finished ---- Jesus did everything, gave everything. He had nothing else left to give-- to us, to His Father. The love and obedience he demonstrated throughout his entire life, was finalized on the cross. "When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, "It is finished." And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit." (John 19:30)
7) Father, into Your hands I commend My Spirit ---- Jesus died. (as a verb) He stomped on Satan. He opened the gates of heaven. He died and brought new life-- like a mustard seed, it has to die, break open, crack to grow and bring a new beautiful tree. "Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Father, into Your hands I commend my Spirit;" and when he had said this he breathed his last." (Luke 23:46)
Also today, at Good Friday service, I had the great gift of being able to give the Body of Christ, the Eucharist, to those at church. The day when Mass isn't celebrated. The day when Jesus died. The day when Jesus is not seen in the church by the lone, red flicker of a candle. I was blessed to be one of the Eucharist ministers. Placing Jesus in each hand, looking each person in the eye, saying "the Body of Christ." Every time I get to help, I am so grateful to Jesus that He lets me give Him to others. It's so humbling. Each hand... some so young, some so old, each having their own story. Their own trial. Their own suffering. But each wanting the mercy and love Jesus offers. Each wanting Jesus to be with them. A special friend reminded me of this part in the bible once, and ever since then I always pray "stay with me." "And they approached the village where they were going, and He acted as if He were going farther. But they urged Him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is getting towards evening, and the day is now nearly over." So He went in and stayed with them. When He had reclined at the table with them, He took the bread and blessed it, and breaking it, He began giving it to them..." (Luke 24:28-30) This special friend, also told me today, that death is sometimes needed. Even though we wish differently, especially when death comes upon someone too early, it may be needed. Sometimes death is needed to bring out something good. To make room for something else. Like to lead people to Jesus. Jesus' death was awful, but His death was needed to bring life to all of us, eternal life.
Have a Wonderful, Blessed, and Holy Easter! :)
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