The Bishop Writes

(From the April 12, 2001 edition of the Inland Register)

The world is a messy place. As we observe events for the past few years, great natural tragedies have occurred. Earthquakes in Asia and in Central America have been occurrences of immense proportions.

In addition to the disasters in the natural order, deep-seated conflicts between peoples of differing ethnic backgrounds, religions, and cultures continue to plague our world. In our own nation, violence erupts in our schools, in our neighborhoods, even our rural areas. The improper use of drugs has an impact on our communities everywhere. Some industries and certain segments of farming are under stress, with the related downsizing, bankruptcies and foreclosures.

We could look at these events with a sense of despondency and discouragement. Yet, as a Christian people we must always have hope and trust in Divine Providence. Life about us continues to change at a dizzying pace with the accompanying feelings of insecurity, uneasiness, and fear. We can suddenly be confronted by the loss of a job or an investment. It’s very easy to lose a sense of perspective and balance. Enter Holy Week, the Sacred Triduum, and Easter. This time of the liturgical year provides a special period of spiritual experience which addresses the full reality of our lives. It does so in celebration and hope.

Palm Sunday reminds us of the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, when his admirers were jubilant and excited. But how quickly circumstances changed. Jesus is suddenly arrested, put on trial, and beaten mercilessly.

The Last Supper is appropriately named. Not only was it a celebration of the Passover; in a sense, it was a farewell to things as they were. The remarkable event becomes a foundation of sacrifice, worship, banquet, and act of thanksgiving for millennia to come.

Holy Thursday celebrates the institution of Eucharist. This rich celebration — in one way, so mysterious; in another way, so accessible to all of us — reminds us of our regular need to give thanks to God, to receive the Bread of Life, and to be affirmed by the community of faith in prayer. The ceremony of the washing of the feet also indicates how we must approach the table of the Lord with a sense of humility, with poverty of spirit. Jesus also emphasized that his example was to be carried out by his followers.

Good Friday commemorates Jesus’ Passion and death on the cross. We hear the reading of the Passion account according to John, offer the prayers of intercession, venerate the cross as a blessing and special symbol, and receive the Bread of Life. The cross is our constant companion in life, and whether we like it or not, it’s there. The cross comes to us in myriad number of ways — dashed expectations, a terminal illness, loss of a job, mental illness, an addiction. In some places of our world today, just to say that you are a Christian or to stand up for human rights is a sufficient reason to be killed.

Good Friday reminds us that the Savior has gone before us. God calls all of us on a unique road of suffering, the mystery of which at times is difficult to comprehend.

The Easter Vigil liturgy is the high point of the entire liturgical year. The ceremony of the lighting of the fire and the Easter candle reflects the importance of the Light of Christ in our lives. The readings from Scripture relate the story of God’s relationship with his people from the beginning of creation to the founding of the Church. We must always be in touch with our roots to appreciate the here and now.

The baptismal water is blessed. The elect are baptized, confirmed and receive first Eucharist. We renew our baptismal promises and are reminded of how bonded we are in the body of Christ.

The celebration of the Mass of Resurrection powerfully signifies that life in the Lord Jesus is never overcome by death, tragedy, or failure. The Risen Lord is always with us. We need to come back to Eucharist again and again as we engage life. Thus we can appreciate that in every circumstance, no matter how difficult, we are accompanied by the loving presence of Jesus, who tells us, “I am the resurrection and the life.”

May all of us use this time of the Easter season to be ever more faithful to our calling. As mysterious and tough as life can become at times, we are with Jesus and one another in Eucharist, which nourishes us and guides us on the way.

Much peace to all of you, and a blessed and joyful Easter and Easter season!

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