By Paddie Denton
As many of the memes are saying, the time when the “Lentist Lent we have ever Lented” is almost coming to an end. However - it's not coming to an end in the way so many of us will be used to. As the liturgical highpoint of the year, Easter is a celebration that after weeks of fasting, prayer and alms, we finally acclaim “Alle….” (well it ain't Sunday yet). It is a time of processions, music, incense, creme eggs for the kids (yes I do still take one), and ultimately – a community celebration of Jesus’ resurrection from death and salvation for us all.
So, in this time of isolation, it is natural to feel heartbroken by not being able to participate how we are used to or expected. To feel heartbroken for our priests who cannot celebrate or serve the way they were ordained to. For the candidates all over the country who were to be received into the Church family this Easter. The flower arrangers, musical directors, masters of ceremonies, and all the people who will have probably been planning this Easter weekend since Christmas.
Equally, many of us are going into the Easter Triduum feeling hurt, broken and afraid in the midst of COVID-19. We are confused and concerned about our families, friends and communities. It's okay to not know how it's going to be on the other side of this season (both Lent and pandemic). But truthfully, we are in good company.
Let’s go back to the very first Easter, when the whole of human history changed. When Jesus gave us the Eucharistic celebration at the Last super, was arrested, tortured, and crucified. Jesus's followers had no idea. They were shut inside hiding from what was outside (except Jesus' key workers!). They were heartbroken because they could no longer be with Jesus. All they had known for so long from their travels with Christ, their ‘normal’, was suddenly gone with next to no warning.
And it's not just the apostles who have lived in the unknown, or the fear of knowing the truth but being unable to proclaim Him. Around the world today, many of our brothers and sisters are persecuted and martyred for declaring Jesus as Lord and Saviour. For years, many have been unable to physically go to mass on Easter, like we are experiencing for the first time now.
So this Triduum presents us with a unique opportunity to, despite the distance, enter into the celebration, the liturgy and narrative in ways we wouldn't normally. First things first, work out when you are accessing the various celebrations online, and from where. With so much virtually available, we can celebrate from our own parishes live stream, or even jet set straight to mass with Pope Francis in St Peter’s Basilica!
As we begin the next few days, here is a reminder of the events that will follow, and ways to participate in the events to the full from your homes.
Maunday Thursday - Feasts and Humility
The night we remember the Last Supper that Jesus shared with his the disciples. Food is such a integral part of our faith; the quiche at the parish parties, cake at first communion, dram of whiskey at a funeral. So it's no wonder that our Lord and Saviour loved food himself, and so often shared meals when He was with friends and teaching. And that doesn't stop now! In this Easter of isolation, why not drop off biscuits for the elderly, cook a meal for your house, or if you live alone; share a meal over a video conference!
There is another important part of the Thursday service that is one of my favourites;'The Washing of Feet'. A moment in scripture of pure humility; both of the King who washes the feet of His people, but also of the faithful servant who allows himself to be served too. Read John 13: 1-17, and think about how over this weekend can we serve? Can we call an elderly parishioner; help them work out mass streaming, listen to their worries, or say a rosary together? Or do we need to allow ourselves to be served? Are we currently ill and need to admit that we need rest and be cared for? Are we hurting, and need to allow people and Jesus in to provide comfort?
Ultimately this isolation being asked of us is a great act of humility, not just for our needs but the needs of those who are most vulnerable. Every time the feeling of isolation hits, take a moment to offer for healing and an increase in our humility.
Good Friday - Grief and Uncertainty
The only day of the year mass isn't normally celebrated; yet is the ongoing reality we are experiencing right now. Over these past two weeks, each time I have participated in Mass via live stream and made my spiritual communion, my heart longs to be back in church with my community and receive Jesus. But each time my heart breaks, Jesus steps in; and it heals stronger and is more filled with Him each time.
This Good Friday provides a unique chance to journey with the apostles, to experience a glimmer of their own experience. In the midst grief and uncertainty of what is next, the apostles too must have had these worries and questions spinning around in their heads from the moment Jesus was arrested. Their emotions of doubt and fear would have trapped them inside; as the outside world didn’t make sense.
On this day of solemnity, implement periods of silence, such as in the morning or at the 3pm Holy hour. Take down some pictures or wall art to create bare spaces. Fast not only from food but from other daily distractions, such as social media or music. Take part in the online service and reading of the Passion, and reflect what it would have been like in the crowd.
Contemplate the cross, and offer up the distance you may be feeling. Embrace it, who knew how much we longed for Jesus in the Eucharist? Who knew how much we loved Him? This love we are feeling out of heartbreak pales in comparison of the love of Jesus broken on the cross and His desire to be with us. Let it make our hearts and capacity for love grow.
Holy Saturday – Eagerly waiting and trust
The day after the events of the night before; a morning of reflection and an afternoon of anticipation for the vigil in the evening.
I do have one very particular reading recommendation for you all. On Saturday in the office of readings (which you will find on the Universalis website), the second reading is from the wealth of Church tradition and is a writing called "the Harrowing of hell". It is a poem which describes and helps us visualise what Jesus was doing between death and resurrection when He descended into Hell defeating death, saving souls and rising again. It is beautiful and thought provoking, and is a reminder that even when we don't know what He is doing, and could feel like Jesus has left us, He has a plan and is busy saving us, which I know is what Christ is doing in these times.
Easter Vigil - Hope has Risen
The day we have all been waiting for, especially during this period of confusion – Christ’s winning of our salvation. And now it is finally here, we must do something radical. Live out HOPE in a time of crisis. Because Jesus IS risen. He HAS conquered death. And it's time for us to live that way.
Plan celebrations for yourself over the weekend. Read John 20: 1-9 and let the truth of Jesus’ triumph over death sink in. Indulge on eggs, wear a bonnet, declare Alleluia (oops said it that time). Make time for people (phone calls/FaceTime) so you can rejoice together and remember that we are all united as God’s children. No matter where you are and who you are separated from, allow this year’s experience of Easter to prepare and fill you to serve our communities with prayer, acts of service and love in this season.
“May we not be concerned with what we lack but with what good we can do for others”. - Pope Francis at World Youth Day 2020 (Palm Sunday)
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