Years ago, a friend of mine with whom I had my Formation in the Franciscan house took a picture by his window. From one angle, he appeared to be looking into the vastness of creation; from another angle, he seemed to be looking into the sky – bright, blue sky. He titled it: ‘Looking Beyond.’
As I write this message, I’m looking beyond to Easter when we will hear these words: ‘He is not here; He is risen.’ He has ascended beyond the bright blue sky – to His Father and our Father.
I guess I’m so excited to get to Easter but I have to look to the present first: to enter deeply into the drama of the coming week that will culminate in Easter.
The prelude of the drama begins with Palm Sunday, when we celebrate His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The drama of that day is one that changes very quickly – From the people shouting hosanna to crucify Him. As we read the passion narrative on Palm Sunday, what really is at play is this: that God the Father loves me just the same way He loves His only begotten Son, Jesus. And I am worth dying for.
Following Palm Sunday, we will enter the Sacred Triduum. Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil/Easter Sunday. This three-day celebration (Triduum) tells the whole story of our celebration. I invite you to come and celebrate with us this most beautiful mystery of our faith.
Holy Week Highlights
Holy Thursday
We celebrate three things:
- The institution of the Holy Eucharist
- The institution of the Holy Priesthood
- Jesus giving us the great commandment of love. This he shows by the washing of feet.
On this day, after Mass, we keep watch with Jesus. Will you not keep watch with me for an hour?
Good Friday
We celebrate the Passion of our Lord. The worst day of His life was the day when He loved the most.
Holy Saturday
The culmination of the drama of Holy Week. If you haven’t attended this before, come and experience it this year: the fire of Easter, the renewal of baptismal promises, the exsultet. It is the most beautiful celebration of our faith life.
I invite you to come and experience God’s love in these celebrations. Let us show Jesus that we love Him.
On Monday, following Palm Sunday, the whole of our diocese (Laity and priests) will gather at the Cathedral in Nelson to celebrate the Chrism Mass. The oils we use for Baptism, Confirmation and Anointing of the Sick will be blessed during the celebration. On Wednesday during Mass, we will solemnly present these oils to our community.
Looking beyond…. Looking to the present. May we all enter in and make the Palm Sunday and Holy Week of 2023 the best ever.
Your brother,
Fr. Obi