April, 2019
In two days we’ll celebrate Palm Sunday, Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem which opens-up our Holy Week remembrances of the Sacred Triduum (3 days), beginning with Holy Thursday and Good Friday and leading up to Jesus’ Resurrection on Easter Sunday.
In his relatively short public ministry here on earth, Jesus’ main objective was to choose, call, and form apostles and disciples who would replace him in proclaiming God’s Good News to the world.
I suggest that the “process” which Jesus followed in doing so, although he never spoke about it in this way, is summarized with a threefold invitation (“Come and see; be transformed; go and tell!”). This summons of his is found in the dynamic of the relationship among Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday.
On Holy Thursday we recall the institution of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist: “Do this is memory of me. My body and blood given for you”. (Mark 14: 22; and Luke 22: 17-19) We also remember on that day Jesus’ washing of his apostles’ feet: “I have just washed your feet. You should wash one another’s feet”. (John 13: 14) All are invited to be in service to others – (“Come and see!”).
On Good Friday Jesus and we are forever changed and returned to God – (“Be transformed!”).
And on Easter Sunday we’re sent-out by Jesus to share this Good News with others as Mary Magdalene did in response to seeing Jesus: “Go to my brothers and tell them that I’m returning to my Father and their Father, my God and their God”. (John 20: 17) – (“Go and tell!”). We’re invited once again this year to celebrate and to re-dedicate ourselves to living-out this commissioning in our daily lives.
Recall that at the conclusion of each Eucharistic celebration we’re sent-forth anew to go out and to become God’s word and Jesus’ nourishing Body and Blood for others. Alleluia!
