In the Triduum, we gather to enter into the three most sacred days of the year, (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil) celebrating the mystery of Christ’s passion, death and resurrection.
The foot washing takes place at the Holy Thursday liturgy – in the shadows of Jesus’ upcoming death. The foot washing is a model of self-giving, of servant-leadership. And Jesus asks the disciples to “also do, as has been done to them.” It’s the kind of discipleship that we have all been called to. We are invited to have our feet washed, and to wash one another’s feet: serving the needs of others – the feet of the world are waiting. Also, during this liturgy, we receive the holy oils to continue Jesus’ work of healing, forgiving, bringing new life. What Jesus modeled is intentional, inclusive and concrete expression of love. We are empowered to anoint one another with Christ’s presence.
On Good Friday we venerate the cross that means so much to us; for it is the original cross from our first motherhouse in Traverse City. As the cross is held high, we sing: “Come let us worship.”
On this Friday, we face suffering: the suffering in which we all participate. We all have faced betrayals. God is in it with us, loving us. It is no longer my suffering and your suffering. God never takes his eyes off us. Love wins. We’re invited to live in this love.
At the Easter Vigil we gather to watch and to pray. We bless the new fire, symbolizing Christ, our Light, who inflames us with the fire of God’s glory! We pray that the light of Christ rising dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds. We pray that this light inflame our hearts with desire to celebrate God’s unending splendor. We then listen to the Word of God, hearing how God in times past saved the people, and has now sent us Jesus. As believers, we renew our Baptismal Promises. As believers, we share Christ’s triumph over death. As believers, we live with Christ in God as we come forward for Eucharist.
On Suffering
“So many people ask, “Why does God allow such suffering in this world?”, but should we not be asking, “Why do WE allow such suffering in this world?” On Good Friday, the day Jesus was crucified, it can be very difficult to see the goodness in the world around us. But each one of us has been gifted with the ability to birth goodness into this world. So as we remember Jesus’ passion and death, let us make a conscious effort to do just that. It is the very least we can do to honor the life of a man, who was birthed into the world to show us how to do good and most importantly how to love. Thank you once again to my Dominican sisters and brothers for being true salt and light in the world. Being with you, being at home, is exactly where I and the world needs to be. A special thank you for your financial and prayerful support of the people of Ukraine during today’s liturgy.” ~ Jarek Kozal, Dominican Associate
