I know the number of hours spent in a pew this week make some people cringe, but for me, it's one of the best times of the year. Holy Thursday mass-- the mass where Jesus institutes the Eucharist saying that THIS IS my body-- is my favorite mass of the whole year. Plus, the gift of eternal life...with God...hmm...how much better can it get!?
Yesterday was the day where welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem, or more commonly known as Palm Sunday. This is one of the few days of the liturgical year where the church gives out "party favors", or palms. We receive these palms again at the beginning of Lent next year -- in another form-- and is other "party favor" given by the church: Ashes on Ash Wednesday. These palms lead us to the cross, and from the cross, that eternal salvation.
This Lent has been a very fruitful Lent for me, but I'm quite anxious for it to be over. Before it ends, we must navigate the waters of this most blessed seven days. This week will be long and arduous; only by entering fully into the sufferings of Christ can we really understand what he has done and gained for us.** But the reward at the end, or the gift that I hope is at the end for me, is better than any other gift I will ever receive. Here's to the goodness of the Lord!
*The celebration of Easter actually commences with the Easter Vigil on Saturday night.
** If you're looking for an excellent way to fully experience Easter, check out 'The Passion of the Christ".
