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I want you to reflect with me on what we will witness this week.

On Holy Thursday, Jesus gave them his body, blood soul and divinity in the First Mass celebrated at the Last Supper – what the disciples thought would be another Passover Meal. Remember, he gave this precious gift to Judas knowing Judas would betray him. He gave this amazing gift to Peter, James and John who fell asleep rather than stayed awake and prayed with Jesus in his need. And, yes, he knew Peter would deny him three times as he was giving him this astounding gift of himself. He also showed they were to be servant leaders if they were going to lead as he desired. They were to be dedicated to their community to become followers of Jesus. So much was his desire that they be servant leaders he bent down and washed their feet; then told them to go do likewise. On Holy Thursday Jesus taught us to share what we have with others and not count the cost. He taught us by whose feet he washed that we are to be servant leaders and not be picky nor choosy as to who we serve. Be generous and serve! Be Christ-like!

On Good Friday, we in the Catholic Church listen to the Gospel of John proclaimed as Jesus is arrested, given a mock trial and condemned to death where he hangs upon the cross for our sins and for our salvation. With John standing at the foot of the cross, he has a different vantage point from the other three Gospel Writers. His perspective seems to make it appear that Jesus is in command and letting this all happen to him. He knows the Father’s Will and desires His will to be followed. On this day, Jesus restores the man’s hearing whose ear was sliced off, consoled the women who were weeping for him, forgave a criminal and welcomed him into his kingdom, and ultimately died for all of our sins. In the midst of what looks like an abject failed mission, Jesus kept doing all he could do for bringing the kingdom to others. He also forgave all of us for everything for which we ask forgiveness. And for us who are trying to be like him and be his disciple? Keep doing all we can do no matter how bleak it looks. We are the hands and feet of Christ! He sees so much bigger and wider than our small eyes and vision can see! Yes, every good act makes a difference. Every prayer and every kind word is important. Keep going as Jesus did! And, forgive often and regularly. It is not only good for our soul and disposition, it is God-like and who we are called to be. Do good to others always and forgive! Be Christ-like!

On Holy Saturday the day was silent; in mourning; in sadness. This means we shouldn’t be doing a lot of extra work and normal busy-ness. Join in on the silence and try to put off meetings, events and get togethers. We understand this is not possible for everyone and every walk of life. But try to do your best and see that this is not like every other Saturday.

And then, we are in astonishment – amazement – filled with incredible joy and gladness! Jesus has risen! He has truly Risen! We celebrate Easter Sunday Resurrection! Now, he is showing us by his resurrection he wants to take death and make it an entry point into eternal life with him and His Father if we desire. We’ll show if we desire by how much time we are willing to spend with him and the community in praise and worship and serving others. He calls us to bring the good news to others. What good news? He lived a life of telling us He is the Son of God and did the will of the Father, died for our sins, and rose to new life so we might have eternal life. And we are to share this message with the whole world. Let us continue or get started. Next Sunday we proclaim Happy Easter! He is Risen! He is truly Risen! But first, there is Holy Thursday and Good Friday, let us live through these together in prayer at the magnificent liturgies.