Active Membership Pillar: Faithful Participation at Sunday Mass and Holy Days

We have now entered the holiest week of the year. Today we remember Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. The crowds shouted “Hosanna” (which means “save us” in Hebrew) to greet Him and raised palms to honor Him. Yet only five days later, in sharp contrast, the shouts would be “crucify Him”.

On Holy Thursday in Gethsemane, Jesus said to His apostles, “Remain here and keep watch with Me.” As we are His 21st century disciples, we remain and keep watch with Jesus, His mother and the apostles by attendance and participation at Holy Week liturgies, as much as we can. At the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper, we watch the washing of feet, witness and participate in the institution of the Eucharist. On Good Friday, we listen to the Passion according to St. John (the apostle who remained with Jesus at Calvary) and we each venerate the Cross. During the magnificent Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday evening, we remain and keep watch as the Paschal fire and the Easter candle are lit and the light of Christ (Lumen Christi) fills the church. The Old Testament readings we hear from Genesis, Exodus, and Isaiah, all pointed to and were fulfilled by Jesus, Our Savior. Finally, we joyfully welcome new members to our Faith during the vigil. Attending church during this holiest week of the year builds our relationship with God so that our hearts and minds are turned to the Lord.

Take as your simple reflection this week the opening verses of the hymn, Stabat Mater, often sung at the Stations of the Cross: “At the cross her station keeping, stood the mournful Mother weeping, close to Jesus to the last.” Our Blessed Mother remained and watched as her son suffered and died for our salvation. This is the time for us to be present to our Lord, who suffered, died and ultimately rose for us. This 2025 Holy Week each of us can join Mary to “remain and keep watch” by our presence at Holy Week liturgies. Bring the family - all are welcome.