Easter – The Slow Process of Discovering Life before Your Very Eyes, Part 4

Fr. John Cusick, Director,
Young Adult Ministry - Arch.  of Chicago

He breathed on them. Why?

It has been over a week since Easter Sunday, and in our fast-paced world a lot has changed since then. Just listen to or watch the news.

Yet this past Sunday our Gospel reading (John, Chapter 20) began “on the evening of that first day of the week.” It was still resurrection day, Easter. It was still the first day of a new creation.  What does God create? Life.

So here we go again with more new life being revealed by the Risen Lord. This time the recipients are his disciples. The Gospel tells us that the door to the place where they were was locked because of the fear they felt.  We can all understand that. Their leader, teacher, mentor, rabbi, and Lord was killed. By process of elimination, who is next? They are! Lock those doors and keep them locked! They were living in fear for their own lives.

They are in a state of mental and spiritual paralysis. Fear can do that to people. They cannot dream. They cannot act on any of the wonderful ways of living for others that Jesus revealed to them. They are frozen in time. They see nothing to look forward to, and looking back is fueling their fear. For all practical purposes, life is over.

Even though the door was locked, Jesus stood in their midst. This is the resurrected Lord. He is no longer bound by space and time. Locked doors are no big deal. These disciples experienced Him standing right in the middle of their fear.  “Peace be with you,” He said.  One definition of the word “peace” is the healing of relationships. He wants them to be re-connected to all He was about, to all He taught them life to could be, to all he wanted them to be: fully alive! The fear has got to go. They (and we) must face the future and live for what can be, as He did, and continues to do.

To assist with that, the Gospel says, He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Keep in mind that this is a creation story. In the story of creation in the Book of Genesis, how did our Creator God pour life into Adam? God breathed into him the Breath of Life.

Now the Risen Lord is doing the same. He is breathing into them this new life in God that does not end in physical death. They got it! Soon afterward they opened that door and headed back into the world. It was their turn to breathe this new life into others.

Guess what? As you read this, who is the recipient of that Breath of Life today? You are! If they stayed in fear, if they stayed behind that locked door, the resurrected life of Christ would never have been passed on by them.

Now it belongs to you. But the Lord’s life is not yours to keep. It is not a treasure or trophy. It must be given away.

So do some thinking today. To whom can you breathe the Lord’s life?  Who needs to be raised up – even if just a little?

Easter is an ongoing event. It is our call to live in such a way that people will see in our actions that each of our lives (and theirs, too, if they so choose) are destined to be everlasting. Nothing stops it. It can’t be killed. Even death has no power over it.

Aren’t we lucky?

Fr. John Cusick

Easter – The Slow Process of Discovering Life Before Your Very Eyes, Part 3

Fr. John Cusick

Have you ever been afraid? I mean really afraid? Have you ever lived in fear?

Sometimes fear is a reaction to what lies ahead – the unknown. But often fear inside of us is driven by something that has already happened to us. Many people who have really been burned in a relationship move into new relationships slowly. They don’t want to repeat the mistakes of the past.

Have you ever had an auto accident? When you get behind the wheel the next time, you tend to drive more slowly and are much more aware of everything around you and your car. Fear dictates that you are not going to make that mistake again (even if it wasn’t your fault).

Have you ever broken an arm, leg, ankle, collar bone or some other body part? You get the drift by now. The fear of that happening again will make you do as much as you can to avoid a “repeat.”

When Mary hurried back to Jesus’ disciples, she announced (can you see and hear her shouting?): "They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don't know where they put him!" (John 20:2). At the announcement, “Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first.” (verse 3) What’s that all about? It’s the fear thing. Also, it is the love thing.


Peter was in no hurry. The other disciple, John, the one whom Jesus loved, was in a hurry.



In order to appreciate each of their reactions and responses to Mary’s announcement, you need to remember their last encounters with Jesus. Peter, warming his hands by the fire after Jesus was arrested, denied knowing Him. Here is the encounter from Luke's Gospel: Peter said, "I do not know what you are talking about." Just as he was saying this, the cock crowed, and the Lord turned and looked at Peter; and Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, "Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times."  He went out and began to weep bitterly. (Luke 22:61-62)  On the other hand, John, the one whom Jesus loved, was at the foot of the cross with Mary, the mother of Jesus. Love was in a hurry to experience the presence of the Lord again.



At Mary’s announcement, John (love) gets to the tomb first. Peter (fear) follows. Fear constrains. Love releases. Fear can paralyze us. It holds us to the past and we act in the future, fearfully reacting to and making decisions based on mistakes, problems and experiences of the past.

It is very hard to see new possibilities and new life always worrying about and reacting to the pain of the past. Living in love allows us the possibility of dreaming great dreams, seeing what can be and building our lives on those new possibilities. The fullness of life always lies ahead. Can you “see” that?


And remember, up to this point in John’s Gospel, no one - not Mary, Peter, or John - had experienced the Resurrected Lord Jesus. They were still living in the dark. John’s Gospel is laying out the strategy (it is still dark on the first day of the week) to make this happen."

So, a few questions for us to ponder...

• What have been your greatest fears? How has life changed because of them? Do those fears still have power over you?
• What are your greatest hopes? Have you ever experienced love? How has loved impacted your life and impacted what you see and do right now?
   
• Do you believe that the Lord Jesus is always with you?

Next we will see how fear and love work in the wonderful resurrection story in John’s Gospel (chapter 20).

Fr. John Cusick

Easter – The Slow Process of Discovering Life before Your Very Eyes, Part 2

Fr. John Cusick

 Have you ever been in the “dark” about something?

Or maybe you have used that word in describing someone else’s understanding. “Wow, he is totally in the dark! He just doesn’t get it.”

Being in the “dark” is how the experience of the resurrection of the Lord began. Those first people who came to the tomb were in the dark. They didn’t get it. And I have a hunch that would have been me, too, “…early in the morning on the first day of the week, while it was still dark.”

That is how John’s Gospel begins to proclaim the Good News of the Risen Lord in Chapter 20. And those few words are loaded with symbols and symbolic meaning.

The “first day of the week” is a direct reference to the first day of creation. There are at least three things symbolized by the “first day of creation.” First, what did the Creator create beginning on the first day? God began the creation of life. So this wonderful resurrection story is about the creation of new life. Get ready!

Second, what was created on the first day of creation? Light came forth from the darkness. It is only in the light that the followers will no longer be in that “dark.” Gradually they will begin to see. They will begin to get it. Also, Jesus said in John’s Gospel that He was the light of the world. Guess what? He still is. The “light” is coming forth from the darkness.

Third, the “first” day of creation is just the beginning. There is a lot more to come! That is a clever way of letting all of us know that coming to an awareness of and appreciation for the Resurrection of the Lord will take time. It will be gradual, revealing and creating a little more life and awareness slowly but surely.

So this is the searchers and seekers Gospel story. There are so many people - maybe you or people you know - who struggle with faith right now. They are searching and they are truly trying. This is a story for them and for all of us. We don’t always see what is right before our eyes. We are in the “dark” about a lot of things.

But you can’t quit. You have to keep looking and searching. Most of us won’t get it right….right away. We will not see clearly ….right away.

Remember this  is the first day and it is still dark. More to come.

Fr. John Cusick

Easter – The Slow Process of Discovering Life Before Your Very Eyes

Fr. John Cusick

“Jesus is Risen. Live report from the tomb at 10.”

“Hot news” is immediate and often sensational with plenty of on-the-scene reporting. There are interviews with witnesses. Some people are interviewed who might not have experienced much of the story first-hand, but their faces and words enhance the reporter’s story. Cameras capture the entire scene – showing as much detail as possible. And, of course, the entire segment is done in 1-3 minutes, bookended by commercials to pay for all of this.

The experience of the resurrection of the Lord is slow, gradually developing with the first “witnesses” having very little data on which to make their judgment. It takes place in the dark when it is hard to see much of anything. There is great attention to details found in an empty tomb, but little detail about the central figure of the story.

Keep in mind these wonderful scripture encounters were not written by or for the Chicago Tribune. They were written by and for people who encountered the Risen Lord and wanted to share that Good News (“Gospel” means “Good News”) with others…like you and me! They are faith stories. They are spiritual encounters and they rely heavily on people’s understanding of scripture and on the testimony of the early followers of the Risen Lord.

I invite you to go to your Bible, and open it to the Gospel of John, Chapter 20. Read that text slowly, preferably, out loud. Read it as if you were using that text to tell the story to a group of children. Make the words come alive. The goal is to get the words into your imagination. It is a wonderful text.

During the next week or so, I will post some reflections on that text from the Gospel of John. I believe it will help us get in touch with the Risen Lord among us today.

Fr. John Cusick

Good Friday: How Does the Passion and Death of Christ Speak to You?

Fr. John Cusick

On this Good Friday, please take a few precious moments and be still and quiet and reflect on the Passion and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ. If at all possible, it would be wonderful to take 5-10 minutes and hold a crucifix in your hand. If that is not possible, you can always find a picture of the crucifixion of Christ on the internet. Put that picture on your screen.

As you look upon or reflect upon the Passion and Death of Christ, here is a question you might want to answer:

“How does the Passion and Death of Christ speak to you?”

Over the years, I have found a number of short responses from other people. Here are some of them. I will leave room after the last printed one for you to add your own.

May this Good Friday be a sacred day in your life and mine. May we realize how deeply God loves us. Nothing gets in the way of the Lord’s love – not even death.

Be blessed.

Fr. John Cusick

Some Reflections of Others:

• The Passion and Death of Jesus completely summarizes who He is and who we are, if we choose to call ourselves by His name: Christian.
• The Christian revelation discovered in the Passion and Death of Jesus takes place at the intersections of love and violence, of reconciliation and rage, of the offer of love and the sentence of death.
• Jesus reveals His Father as an everlasting offer of forgiveness and reconciliation – even in the face of human violence.
• The cross rises in our midst as a symbol of God’s everlasting offer of forgiveness and reconciliation and humanity’s everlasting refusal to accept it and to live it.
• Christ hangs on the cross until the end of time to symbolize God’s offer of a new way of being alive and people’s refusal to accept it.
• In the Passion and Death of Christ we see clearly and vividly that His Father is an endless flow of life and love into God’s people. He takes that life and love into the world of death. In other words, nothing and no human experience are devoid of God’s everlasting offer of life, love, forgiveness and reconciliation.
• Divine love does not stop at human mortality.
• Your reflection:

Jesus, What’s With the Footwashing?

Dr. Kate DeVries

Today’s Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper will include the powerful ritual of foot washing.  It’s one of those “Really? We’re doing that right in the middle of Mass?” moments that could use some explaining. Most of us either side with Peter (“You will never wash my feet”), or understand the ritual in terms of Jesus’ comment: “Do you realize what I have done for you? I have washed your feet; you ought to wash one another’s feet.”  [Read tonight's Gospel.] Let’s take it a bit deeper.

In her book The Holy Thursday Revolution, philosopher and theologian Beatrice Bruteau  describes the act of footwashing as nonreciprocal. “Servants wash the feet of their lords – in all sorts of ways, literally and figuratively. Very often both parties are invested in preserving the arrangement.” She goes on to explain that in some ways we all like having great people in authority over us.  We need strong leaders and mentors in our lives. Guidance from those with more experience and wisdom than we have, is good. We like having someone to turn to when we need a broader perspective.  And isn’t it nice to be a follower sometimes?  We can be connected to those people and gain from their wisdom without having the responsibility of setting the direction, taking risks and making tough decisions.

Now, put yourself in Peter’s place.  Jesus is “the man,” the master, the teacher… the Lord. Suddenly, he’s on his knees, bending before you to wash, of all things, your feet. It would be like your boss (or anyone in authority over you whom you highly respect) approaching you first thing in the morning, and saying, “How can I serve you today? What can I get you, do for you, how can I make you more comfortable?  I am here for you, and you don’t have a say in the matter.”  Wow.  No wonder Peter resisted. 

As Bruteau continues, “Jesus’ disciples are followers and believers and worshipers, and they like it that way. Jesus doesn’t. He leaves his place at the table, takes off his coat, rolls up his sleeves, gets a long towel that he ties around his waist, takes a jug of water and basin, and begins to wash the feet of his disciples. This is unbelievably shocking.  The master is acting like a servant.” She continues, “When the ‘lord’ acts as a ‘servant,’ then being a ‘lord’ or a ‘servant’ doesn’t mean anything anymore.” People become equals.  Jesus names it: “I will no longer call you servants, but friends.”

In the midst of a difficult relational situation I faced in college, I confided in a trusted professor. After listening patiently, he went through a list of my strengths, before finally saying, “Kate, stand up and be the person you are.” That line comes back to me whenever I’m in a difficult situation, and following its wisdom has made a huge difference in my life.  I wonder if the footwashing gesture is Jesus saying to all of us to “Stand up, and be the awesome person God made you to be!” Following is not enough. Being only the ‘servant’ is not acceptable.  Being only the ‘lord’ is not the answer either. We all have strengths and gifts to share.  Each of us can lead, and each of us can follow – and there is a time for both, and everything in between.  And wouldn’t it be great if we were all, always, at the service of one another?

We in the Young Adult Ministry Office strongly encourage you to make it to Mass this evening.  Sink into both the story and the ritual of the footwashing.  When the water is poured (over you or others), let it flow over you, reminding you who you are, the many gifts you have to share, and your baptismal call to stand up and be God’s beloved daughter or son in every situation.  Then, say “Amen” to the Bread of Life. As we receive the Body and Blood of Christ, may we become his Body and Blood for the world.

A Blessed Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday) to all. 

Kate DeVries   

Original Harmony and Original Justice

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, "The first man was not only created good, but was also established in friendship with his Creator and in harmony with himself and with the creation around him, in a state that would be surpassed only by the glory of the new creation in Christ." Great, but what does this have to do with lent? Well... EVERYTHING. Before the fall, man was in perfect harmony with God, himself, others (Adam and Eve with each other), and God's creation. You can see this very clearly in the fact that God would walk with Adam in the garden and both Adam and Eve lived in perfect harmony with each other. However, when man falls all four of those relationships are broken. e.g. Man is separated from garden (creation) and Adam and Eve are even ashamed at their nakedness.

As stated in the quote from the Catechism, this brokenness is only surpassed by the glory of the new creation in Christ. The reason Christ came and conquered death was to restore that original harmony. This doesn't mean that after his passion and death we are now in perfect harmony again, it simply means that we can now reconcile with those harmonies. Christ showed us how to do so in that he taught us how to pray to God, he taught us how to be in right relationship with ourselves, he taught us how to love our neighbors as we want to be loved, and of course he taught us the importance of creation by retreating into the mountains to pray and incorporating elements of creation in his parables. In fact, he displayed all four of those relationships in the agony of the garden.

Lent is an annual opportunity to reconcile with all four original harmonies and we can use this time of fasting and prayer to grow in relationship with God, self, others, and His creation. A wonderful way to do this is to participate in the sacraments more than we usually do, and even committing to an hour of adoration a week. Use Christ's suffering and passion as motivation to be fully alive in our relationship with God and everything he created.

Jesse is 25 and is a missionary for the John Paul II Adventure Institute in Allenspark, Colorado. The JPII AI uses outdoor adventure and experiential learning to bring young Catholics to a fuller relationship with God (www.jp2adventures.com). He is currently discerning the religious life with the Community of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal.

More About Those Holy Oils

Holy Oils

In response to a question about the different Oils blessed at yesterday’s “Chrism Mass” …  

Oil is a substance that is extracted from olives and other plants.  Scripture tells us that oil has been used over the centuries to anoint kings (1 Sam 10:1; 2 Kings 9:3) and priests (Lev 8:30), and was an important ingredient in certain sacrifices (Lev 2:4). We also know that in Greece, Olympians – the best of the best – were anointed.  Oil serves to honor the person or object being anointed, and to sweeten and strengthen them/it.  If you were baptized or confirmed, you joined the ranks of those kings and Olympians.  You were anointed as God’s beloved son or daughter!

The Catholic tradition uses the following three distinct oils in various ways:  

1.  Chrism is used in administering the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders. It is also used to bless tower bells and baptismal water, and to consecrate (“make holy”) churches, altars, chalices, and patens (the plate that holds Eucharistic bread). Chrism is a mixture of oil and balsam (a sweet, majestic fragrance). The balsam reminds us of the presence of the Holy Spirit.

2.  The Oil of Catechumens is used for anointing at the Easter Vigil (Saturday night), when a catechumen (someone being baptized into the Catholic Church) is initiated. The purpose of this oil, in the words of the prayer used, is “…to give wisdom and strength.”

3.  The Oil of the Sick is used when anointing the sick. It’s purpose is stated in the words of the prayer used: “Make this oil a remedy for all who are anointed with it; heal them in body, in soul, and in spirit, and deliver them from every affliction.”

These three Holy Oils are usually on display in our parish churches in a place of honor. They may be in glass cruets, etched with the following initials:  SC – Sanctum Chrisma (Sacred Chrism), OC – Oleum Catechumenorum (Oil of Catechumens, formerly labeled OS), and OI – Oleum Infirmorum (Oil of the Sick/Infirm). 

 

If you can make it to the Easter Vigil celebration, watch closely as those receiving the sacraments are anointed.

Kate DeVries

"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow" (Anonymous) ...

Larry Manno

...  says a plaque on the wall next to my bed.  Every morning, I wake up and am greeted with this important piece of advice. Since we only get one chance at living a given day, I feel it is vital to make the most of that day and live it to our fullest potential. Here are some of my recommendations on how we could do this:

1)  Make the most of our talents: We each have our own talents.  It is up to each one of us to discover our own talents and use them to help make the world a better place.  We all have the potential to make a difference, no matter how small it is, in someone's life.  Try to do at least one good thing for someone everyday. 

2)  Think positive, stay happy: It is true that there are many issues in the world, and it is true that we each have our own problems.  However, instead of focusing on the negative, focus on the positive.  Focus on what we have instead of what we don't have, and thank God everyday for what we do have.  Always try to stay optimistic, and hope for a bright future.

3)  Learn from mistakes: Everyone makes mistakes, and we will all fail at some moment in our lives.  Welcome these times as learning experiences and possibilities to make promising changes.  Remember, when one door in life closes, several other doors open to new and exciting possibilities.

4)  Exercise almost daily, even for a minimum of 20 minutes.  Exercise can assist one in relieving stress, staying healthy, and feeling better about himself/herself, both physically and mentally.  I always like to exercise towards the end of the day.  This way, any stress that builds up is minimized before I go to sleep.

5)  Take time for yourself everyday.  I feel that this vital.  Take at least 30 minutes to decompress without the disturbance of any outside distractions.  Reflect on the day.  Think about what went well, and thank God for these moments.  Also, think about what did not go so well and reflect upon how you could make it better tomorrow.  Whether it was how you treated someone, a disappointment that occurred during the day, or an argument you had, think of how you could rectify the situation.  Remember, its never too late to do the right thing.

6)  Never be afraid to live.  If there is something you really want in life, make sure you go for it. If you have that gut feeling about something, pursue it.  Never be afraid of failing or being rejected.  Remember, you will never know if something will work unless you try it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

I hope these generic pointers can assist you with making the most out of every moment of every day.  God Bless everyone during this final week of Lent!!

Larry Manno is a professor of Chemistry at Triton College in River Grove, IL. and a group exercise instructor at Loyola Center for Fitness in Maywood, IL.  He is also currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Education at Walden University.  When he is not working or studying, Larry likes to watch movies, hang out with friends, go to amusement parks, relax at the beach, participate in outdoor activities, and experience new restaurants.

A Reflection on Lent by Cristian Hernandez

During Lent, we remember the forty days and forty nights that Jesus spent in the desert fasting and resisting the temptations of Satan. Lent is also a time when we remember the sacrifice that Jesus made for us by accepting his destiny and dying for our sins.

Lent, is a time of giving up drinking, going out to parties, etc. Many people make good sacrifices during these forty days, however, when Lent is over; they go back to their normal habits. During this Lent, I invite you to meditate a bit more. What have you done that is pleasing to God? What have you done that is not so pleasing to God? How do you show love for others? Where are you heading in life? These are good questions to help us meditate more, not only during Lent, but constantly in our daily lives.

Let’s look deep inside of ourselves, let’s reflect like Jesus did, and let’s make a decision that will bring a positive change in our lives and in the lives of others. May we be thankful for Jesus’s Sacrifice for us. Let’s do good, help others, understand others more, and be more tolerant, loving and forgiving. Not simply with words, but also actions.

I, for instance, have decided to help others by participating in my local parish’s young adult group; I bring food to the group mostly every night and help with set up. Last week I also helped during the preparation for a youth Vigil and continue to sacrifice some of my time to helping in the youth group. This Lent I have also tried to learn to forgive. I encourage you do the same and to take time to reflect! God bless!

Reflexion de Cuaresma por Cristian Hernandez

Durante la cuaresma recordamos los 40 dias que Jesus paso en ayuno y meditacion en el desierto, despues de los cuales fue tentado por Satanas, y resistio a cada una de las tentaciones que el diablo le presento, despues de est0 acepto su destino y decidio morir para el perdon de nuestros pecados.

Nosotros, durante la cuaresma dejamos de comer carne, de tomar, salir a fiestas... En fin, muchas personas hacen ciertos sacrificios durante esos 40 dias, y al terminar la cuaresma, vuelven a comer y beber. Pero hay que recordar algo muy importante, que Jesus medito, y tomo una decision por la cual estamos hoy aqui, en este mundo, esa decision cambio nuestras vidas.

Hoy en esta cuaresma yo te invito a meditar sobre ti mismo, Que has hecho bien? Que has hecho mal? Ayudas al projimo?, o simplemente Hacia donde vas? Son preguntas que debemos hacernos no solo en este tiempo de reflexion, si no todo el tiempo.

Miremos dentro de nosotros, reflexionemos, y al igual que Jesus, tomemos una decision, que sea un cambio positivo en nuestras vidas y en los demas! que de algo valga lo que Jesus hizo por nosotros, si el se sacrificio por nosotros, porque no hacer el bien, ayudar, comprender, tolerar y amar. Estas son cosas que Jesus nos enseno con sus acciones, no con palabras, tambien nosotros debemos tomar accion.

Yo, en lo personal, he decidido, devolver con una sonrisa todo lo malo, perdonar y dar mi mano a los demas. Actualmente soy voluntario en la parroquia local asistiendo al grupo de jovenes adultos. Comparto comida con el grupo de vez en cuando y ayudo con la preparacion de las reuniones semanales. Para la Vigilia juvenil organizada la semana pasada prepare cruces de madera para cada uno de los participantes. Esa para mi es una manera de dar un poco de mi tiempo y esfuerzo a Dios y a los demas.

Esta Cuaresma te invito a hacer lo mismo. Que Dios los bendiga!

Cristian Hernandez has worked as a line cook for the past 11 years. At this moment, he works at Grand Lux Cafe. He participates in the young adult group at St. Clare of Montefalco and looks forward to serving in more ways in the parish. Cristian enjoys writing, cooking, public speaking, serving others, and spending time with friends.

Holy Week - Inside & Out

Dr. Kate DeVries
Associate Director
Young Adult Ministry Ofc.

In one of Fr. Cusick’s newest presentations, he describes how to celebrate some of the rich traditions of the Catholic faith in our own homes. We got a taste of it in Friday’s post, April 15, where he made suggestions for the palms distributed at Mass this weekend.  Using the idea of extending our rituals into our homes (and workplaces, neighborhoods, etc.) here’s a look at some Holy Week options.  We strongly encourage you to participate in Holy Week celebrations – both inside our church buildings, and outside them.  

Palm Sunday

In Church:  On Palm Sunday, we actually hear two Gospels – one as we begin Mass, and the second after our 2^nd Reading.  The first Gospel describes how the crowd used palms to welcome Jesus as he entered Jerusalem.  [Read the full text.]  The second is the Passion - the story of the suffering of Jesus from the night of the last supper to his death.  This is Year A of our 3-year cycle; to today’s Passion story is from St. Matthew. 

Outside Church:  Please visit Fr. Cusick’s post from last Friday for prayers for praying over a blessed palm and a crucifix.  As he mentions, if you don’t already have a crucifix hanging in your home, it’s a great week to hang one.

Holy Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday

In Church:  Our Gospels continue to set the scene as Jesus is moving toward his death.  In Monday’s Gospel, Jesus and the disciples are dining with Lazarus, Mary and Martha. When Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with  precious oil, Judas expresses his anger.  On Tuesday and Wednesday, we again enter into the conversation at the last supper.  A recurrent theme  is: What is your relationship to Jesus, and how do you show it?   

Liturgies this week are rich with signs, symbols, images, and an underlying current about what it means to love ( or betray) Jesus.  Again, attend what you can.  Two special liturgies: 

1.   Tuesday the Archdiocese of Chicago celebrates the Chrism Mass at Holy Name Cathedral. That Mass focuses on the unity of the priests with their bishop. Also at that Mass, the Cardinal will bless the three oils used in our sacraments and other rituals throughout the year, and representatives from every parish in the archdiocese will receive them.

2.   Wednesday, look for a celebration of “Tenebrae,” which in Latin means “darkness.” The liturgy is made up of readings, psalms, and prayers, and a series of candles which are gradually extinguished as the story of Christ’s journey to Calvary is told.

Outside Church:  Now is the time to revisit and review your Lenten practices. In light of how you have moved through these past 30-something days, where are you now? This is not a time to get down on ourselves for not being as faithful as we intended to be. It’s one last opportunity to grow deeper in faith. Work it from the inside, or from the outside.  Going inside:  Make time to still the noise, light a candle, use your imagination to meet Jesus in a favorite spot, and have a heart to heart talk. Taking it Outside:   Is there something you want to do before Easter?  Is there something you can do this week at home, at work, with others, that will symbolically demonstrate the Mary’s anointing of Jesus’ feet with oil? What simple gesture would you like to offer?  

Holy Thursday

FYI – Holy Thursday begins our 3 most sacred days of the year, which we call the Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday/Easter).  Also, Lent officially ends the moment the Mass of the Lord’s Supper begins today.  

In Church:  Today we celebrate the Last Supper, the origin of Jesus as our Bread of Life and Cup of Salvation.  Today is all about being in Communion.  So much so that John’s Gospel gives us that beautiful example of the washing of the feet.  Jesus said, “Do you realize what I have done for you?  … If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet.  I have given you a model to follow,  so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”  [Read the full text.]

Outside Church:  The altar in church represents both an altar of sacrifice, and the table at which your family and/or friends gather.  Tomorrow, Good Friday, is all about sacrifice; today, we focus on the dining room table idea.  It has been said that Mass is where we “gather the folks, tell the stories, and break the bread.”  So is every table at which we break bread with others.  Consider the meals you have shared in the past.  Consider the ways in which you, and the others gathered, have been the Light of Christ for one another.  It’s something to keep in mind the next time you dine with others. Thinking of the foot washing ritual, how have you washed another’s feet recently?  How will you/we in the future?

Good Friday  

In Church:  On Good Friday, our last day of fasting for the season, again we remember the suffering and death of Jesus, endured because of his love for us.  Today is the only day in the Catholic year that Mass is not celebrated. However, Eucharist from the Holy Thursday Mass can be distributed.  Today’s Gospel is always a reading of the Passion from St. John’s Gospel.  The ritual for today’s liturgy, is the veneration (honoring) of the cross.  We adore the wood of the cross (without the image of Jesus on it), as an instrument of our salvation. 

Another tradition, celebrated throughout the year, but especially relevant today, is praying the stations of the cross.  The prayers are available on-line, but praying in Church adds the element of community.  Here are the Stations prayed by Pope John Paul II on Good Friday, 1991.

Outside Church:  Many families have a tradition for Good Friday.  Some families keep silent from noon to 3 pm (the Gospel of Mark says Jesus was put on the cross on the third hour, and there was darkness over the land from the 6^th to the 9^th hour, when he gave up his spirit).  Others have created their own tradition of prayer at a particular time.  Consider a veneration of the cross throughout your day today.  Remember, we started Lent with ashes in the form of a cross on our foreheads.  Today, hold the cross with you all day.  Consider wearing a cross, or putting a small one in your pocket.  Even a simple cross drawn on a small post-it note will remind you of the significance of the day, and the power of Christ’s sacrifice.  If you don’t make to church today, venerate/kiss the crucifix in your home and say a prayer of thanksgiving. 

Holy Saturday

In Church:  Today has been referred to as “Tomb Day,” as we wait for the resurrection of Jesus. ..that is, until sundown, when we begin the celebration of our high, holy day:  Easter.  The Easter Vigil, that Saturday evening Mass before Easter Sunday, is when we bring new members into the Catholic faith through the sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation.  It is a celebration packed with symbols and rituals, and includes fire, water, oil, moving from darkness to light, the uncovering of any statues covered for Holy Week, multiple readings that express our faith, each followed by sung responses, the return of the Gloria, the ringing of bells, the return of the Alleluia, a Litany of the Saints, the celebration of those sacraments, the renewal of baptismal vows, a sprinkling rite, white vestments, flowers and plants, and all the usual elements of Sunday Mass.  It’s an amazingly rich celebration, which can last for several hours.  A good explanation of the Easter Vigil can be found at the Creighton University website. .

Outside Church:  Consider ways in which you will celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus.  The season of Lent lasts for 40 days, but the Easter season lasts a full 50 days!  It’s not about the historic moment of resurrection as much as it is celebrating encounters of the Risen Lord.  Where and with whom do you encounter Christ?  Celebrate it!    

These are just some suggestions for moving through Holy Week.  Feel free to create your own traditions, and add your own suggestions here.  A Blessed Holy Week and a Joyful Easter to all!

Kate DeVries

Palm Sunday (April 17) - Bring some palms home!

Fr. John Cusick, Director
Young Adult Ministry Office

One of our Catholic traditions is to bring home a palm branch after Mass on Palm Sunday. The question that follows is: what am I supposed to do with the palm when I bring it home?

Many people tuck it behind a crucifix that hangs in their home. I have done that for most of my life. Behind the image of the cross of Christ, I stick my blessed palm. It is a great contrast, when you think about it. At the beginning of Holy Week, Palm Sunday, we remember that Jesus entered Jerusalem to the roar of the crowd. He was seated on a donkey. There is interesting meaning to that. A horse was symbolic of war and violence; a donkey was symbolic of peace. The crowds, who lined his path, placed palm branches before him, like a carpet of green, and waved them as they cried out, “Hosanna to the Son of David!”

The irony is that Jesus left Jerusalem while carrying His cross to be executed outside the city gate. No cheering crowds. On Good Friday, the people jeered Him. How quickly life changes!

So your palm branch behind your cross of Christ is the symbol of that joy and sorrow, those cheers and jeers, the celebration and the suffering, being a part of a crowd and dying alone.

Keep that palm behind your crucifix. And then replace it next Palm Sunday.

Consider praying this prayer as you tuck your palm branch behind your crucifix.

A Prayer for Palms

Lord Jesus, as you entered Jerusalem the people waved palm branches. As you passed by, they placed them on the ground like a carpet of greenery.  May this palm remind us of the great celebration and joy your presence has brought to all human life.

These same palms of joy and celebration are destined to become the ashes to be placed on our foreheads in the shape of a cross next Ash Wednesday. So, they symbolize the harshness of life, the pain we will all endure, and the need for penance and discipline in our lives.

May these palms remind us of the ups and downs of life, the good news and the bad, the sin and the grace we will all experience in the year to come.  Amen.

If, by chance, you do not have a crucifix in your living space, this is a perfect weekend to go out and buy one. It can even be a little one, if you share your space with others. I keep mine in my bedroom. Below is a short prayer that you can use as you hang your cross of Christ.  If you have a crucifix already in your living space, you might wish to use this prayer on Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week.

The Cross of Christ

May this cross hang proudly in this home. It is a sign of the Faith in Jesus Christ that dwells here.

Lord Jesus, we tend to see a passive, dying Jesus as we look at the cross that hangs in this house. But You were not passive, waiting to die. From the cross You did what You always did, reconciled people to their God, forgave them and invited them into communion with You and the source of Life, whom You called Abba, Your Father.  From Your cross you looked at the crowd and said, “Father, forgive them. They know not what they do.”

Hanging with You was a common criminal who said to You: "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." You replied, "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

As this cross hangs in this house, may it be a reminder of Your presence here. May it be a reminder of the great love You had for us all “as You breathed Your Last.” May it be a reminder of Your desire for all people to be in communion with Abba, our Father, and with one another.

As we/I look upon this cross, may we/I be reminded of what You told your apostles at that Last Supper: “As I have done, now you must do the same.”

Cross of Christ, bless this home.  Amen.

Have a very special Palm Sunday and Holy Week.

May the Lord bless you.

Fr. John Cusick