Cris Thompson
The high point and holiest day of the calendar year for Christians is Easter, which was on April 20 this year. The three days before Easter Sunday are replete with action, emotion, and sacramental meaning, as shown in Andrea Woolums’ thoughtful presentation, “Triduum: Into the Heart of the Paschal Mystery,” which was shared with the RR Catholic Community on April 8. Andrea has worked in elementary faith formation programs since 2014 and is currently the Director of Religious Education at St. Mark Catholic Church.
The Paschal Triduum is the three-day period of Jesus Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection. It begins on Thursday evening with the Last Supper. Jesus washes the feet of the Apostles, a humble act of love, to “cleanse” them of their sins. The Apostles receive the grace of the Eucharist through the transubstantiation of bread and wine into Christ’s Body and Blood. Later, Jesus agonizes in the Garden of Gethsemane over what is to come. Despite his torment and sense of abandonment, he freely consents to his Father’s will. Betrayal by Judas (whose feet he washed!) and arrest follow.
On Friday, Jesus Christ suffers crucifixion for our sins, an unbelievable act of love for us. He was (and is) always at the center of our suffering.
Saturday morning brings feelings of emptiness and loss for Mary and the Apostles. Jesus’ body has been placed in a borrowed tomb, and that seems to be the end. In the church, the Eucharist is removed from the tabernacle and the doors are left open. All candles are extinguished, signifying the darkness of the tomb. And yet, there is hope.
Saturday evening, Easter Vigil, is the most important Eucharistic celebration of the year. It begins with the Service of Light. A light is kindled outside the church from which the priest lights the Easter or Paschal candle. He brings the candle in solemn procession into the darkened church, symbolizing the light of Christ that changed the world and fills us all with hope!
The Robson Ranch Catholic Community welcomes all residents to attend our events. Club activities include a book club, potluck dinners, field trips, and supporting Our Daily Bread ministry. A matinee movie, For the Greater Glory, will be shown on June 9. For more information, please contact Joan Bridges at [email protected].