As we enter Holy Week we remember that two years ago we and the world entered a most unprecedented period of duress rooted in a pandemic from which many trials and challenges have sprung forth. Yet the lessons of Holy Week provides a hopeful model that there is light at the end of the tunnel. For the lamentation of Good Friday gives way to the Joy of Easter Sunday.
Palm Sunday–
“Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried: Hosanna, blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord, the king of Israel.”- John 12:13
Holy Thursday–
“And taking bread, he gave thanks, and brake: and gave to them, saying: This is my body, which is given for you. Do this for a commemoration of me.”-Luke 22:19
“For this is my blood of the new testament, which shall be shed for many.”-Matthew 26:28
Good Friday–
“Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”- Luke 23:34
“And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying: Eli, Eli, lamma sabacthani?” That is, My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”-Matthew 27:46
“And Jesus crying out with a loud voice, said: Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.”- Luke 23:46
Holy Saturday–
” Command therefore the sepulchre to be guarded until the third day: lest perhaps his disciples steal him away, and say to the people: He is risen from the dead: and the last error shall be worse than the first…Pilate saith to them: You have a guard: go, guard it as you know.”- Matthew 27:64-65
Easter Sunday–
“Who saith to them: Be not affrighted: you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified: he is risen, he is not here, behold the place they laid him.”- Mark 16:6
“For this was I born, and for this came I into the world: that I should give testimony to the truth. Every one that is of the truth, heareth my voice.”
“The Promise”– by, Alan Malizia
Upon a cross a debt was paid,
and promise made,
for tortured souls enslaved.
From an empty tomb,
as if a womb,
emerged the promise kept.
And by it we are saved.
A Blessed Holy Week to all. Know that the agony of Good Friday is but the requisite for the ecstasy of Easter Sunday.
-Alan
CROSSROADS-Right Choices 