Yesterday was a great day! We wrapped up our Operation Rice Bowl study with the United States. Since it was also spring break, we had extra kids there but there was plenty of food to go around. Afterwards I stopped for some tea at a friends house then we took most of our kids to run to our local Catholic Bookstore for some items that will be needed for Easter/Baptisms/First Communions. The older boys played football and worked off some springtime energy. Then it was home to shower and then off to the Holy Thursday Mass-the beginning of the most Holy season in our liturgical year...the Triddium....the 3 Day~Day. Father Paul explained it most elloquently-the time starts with the Sign of the Cross and Opening Prayer on Holy Thursday and ends with the final blessing and Dismissal after the Easter Vigil. These 3 services are THE most important Masses/services in our faith. Jesus died for our sins....it is something we need to be reminded of (relive) every single year without fail. Yes, Jesus is our Resurrected Lord-but we do ourselves such a great disservice to just "gloss over" what Jesus went through FOR US.
Anyway, I digress...the Mass was lovely, reverent and humbling. Both Alex and Zach served at the altar. It brought tears to my eyes to see my Zach so attentive to the altar-he is hearing the Call of the Lord so loudly. The Washing of the Feet was done so well. Father Paul washed the feet of all 12 men-representing the 12 Apostles for us. Fr. Pauls homily was on reconciliation. It was well done-he even asked for forgiveness from the congregation for anything he may have ( or may not have ) done.
Afterwards, we met 2 other families at our favorite Mexican restaurant and celebrated our dear friend, Miki's "29" birthday. Then we went back by the church to drop off Zach who stayed there until midnight, worshipping our Lord in Holy Adoration in the Chapel.
Zach was up early this morning to be back at work for final Tridiuum preparations. Then we picked up a neighbors boys and headed off to another church in Manvel for their Live Stations of the Cross. It was a beautiful day for it and there were probably 200 people there, including many friends from our own parish who also made the drive out there. Walking/watching the Live Stations really helps our family to "walk the walk" with Jesus. Jesus horrible death on that cross means nothing if we don't realize that He did that for us....it was our sins He bore.....our faults caused Him to stumble and fall. Like Simon of Cyrene, we too are asked to help carry that cross-we can either be forced to or agree to do it willingly. God promises that even though we will still have burdens.....they will be easy to bear. Trust in His goodness.
The next part of the 3 Day Day is tonight, with the Good Friday service. That will include the Veneration of the Cross. How that very cross....something created with God's own hands.....could have held our dear Lord and Savior along with the weight of all our sins is beyond me. But I trust God and believe in His infinite love and wisdom for me-He alone is my salvation. He alone can wash my soul clean. This night of all nights feels empty. Imagine how the entire world must have felt during those 3 days and nights of Jesus death. Imagine the emptiness. The darkness. It must have been a very scary time. Only hope remains.......until tomorrow night.......when the bells ring out and the Alleluia is sung to the Heavens above..........
