Meditations for Holy Week

“Blessed is the king who comes
in the name of the Lord!" (Luke 19:38)

On Palm Sunday we commemorate the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem. On this joyful day He was surrounded by throngs of people singing His praises and marveling at all the miracles He had performed. 

Here, at the beginning of Holy Week, let us take some time to focus on the things we wanted to accomplish during Lent. Have we made improvements in our prayer life? Have we offered sacrifices to God?  Have we given alms or service to those in need? 

As we reflect on today's readings, especially the Lord's Passion and Death, let us renew our commitment to a deeper relationship with our Savior.

"Wait for the Lord with courage;
be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord." (Psalm 27:14)

Monday of Holy Week is a day of waiting. Just as in the Christmas carol we sing, "Let every heart prepare Him room", we must also prepare our hearts for the sorrows of the Triduum. 

Even though Monday can be the most hectic day of the week, don't forget to carve out some quiet time for yourself today. Get up a little earlier to do the readings for the day. Find a quiet place to sit at lunch and read your favorite spiritual book. Gather your family to pray the Divine Mercy or the Rosary at the end of the day. These are all excellent examples for integrating the spirit of Holy Week into your day.

As we reflect on today's readings, especially when Our Lord raises Lazarus from the dead, let us ask Jesus to raise us above any obstacles that prevent us from drawing nearer to Him.

“See, you lowly ones, and be glad;
you who seek God, may your hearts revive!" (Psalm 69:33)

As we reach the middle of our Holy Week our waiting turns to anticipation. Spending a little time in prayer each day has helped us to identify some of our weakness and times we need to turn quickly to Christ for help. 

If you have not gone already during Lent, today may be your last chance to go to Confession. Most churches do not have times available once the Triduum begins. If you can't find a time for Reconciliation, or if you can't fit it into your schedule, spend some of your daily prayer time doing an examination of conscience. If you are in the habit of praying The Liturgy of the Hours  the examination is a natural part of Night Prayer. 

As we reflect on today's readings, especially Isaiah's words foretelling Our Lord's suffering, let us seek forgiveness for times we have caused others to suffer.

"Let us live Lent, then, as a "Eucharistic" time in which, welcoming the love of Jesus, we learn to spread it around us with every word and deed." 
(Pope Benedict XVI's Message for Lent 2007)

On Holy Thursday we celebrate the institution of the "source and summit" of our Catholic Faith - The Holy Eucharist. 

On the night of the Last Supper, Jesus celebrated the Passover meal with His disciples: "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins." (Matthew 26:26-28) 

As we reflect on today's readings, especially Paul's remembrance of the Last Supper, let us ask for the Graces we need to truly believe in Christ's presence in the Eucharist and to approach the altar with reverence and awe.

"But He was pierced for our offenses, crushed for our sins; upon him was the chastisement that makes us whole, by his stripes we were healed. We had all gone astray like sheep, each following his own way; but the Lord laid upon Him the guilt of us all." (Isaiah 53:5-6)" 

Since the altar was stripped bare and the Eucharist removed from the Tabernacle on Holy Thursday, in the past good Friday was sometimes called "Long Friday." The church seems empty and we again feel a sense of waiting. One of the most beautiful traditions of this day is the Veneration of the Cross. "While we bend down in body before the cross we bend down in spirit before God." If possible, try to attend Stations of the Cross at 3pm. Many parishes also begin the Divine Mercy Novena on this day.

As we reflect on today's readings, especially John's recount of Christ's Passion, let us try to keep an awareness of Our Lord's suffering in our hearts throughout the day.

"We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death,
so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead
by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life." (Romans 6: 4)

On Holy Saturday our sorrow and emptiness begin to be replaced with a growing joy and anticipation.

The night is especially dedicated to the Candidates and Catechumens who will become full members of the Church. The vigil starts in a dramatic way with the blessing of the new fire, the lighting candles and the paschal candle. Beginning with Genesis and ending with Christ's Resurrection, the multiple readings and psalms are a retelling of the story of God's Love for us. If you are not able to attend the Easter Vigil try do some of the readings and remember in your prayers those who are entering the Church this night.

As we reflect on all of the readings and responsorial psalms, let us rejoice and give thanks to God for our wondrous Salvation History. 

"Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here,
for he has been raised just as he said." (Matthew 28: 5-6)

Alleluia! He is risen! This is the most joyous feast of the year. Christ's death and resurrection is the foundation of the Christian Faith. 

The church is now filled with the spirit of Jesus and with His Light. It is no longer silent as we join our songs of praise with the choirs in heaven.  We are reminded of Christ's promise "I will give you a joy which no one will take from you." (John 16:22). Easter is the beginning of our new life with Christ. Although our Lenten Journey is complete don't forget to create times of prayer in your daily lives where you can spend time with our Risen Lord. 

 As we reflect on today's readings, especially the Gospel, let us ask the Risen Christ for courage and strength we need to take His Light into the world.