A WEEK UNLIKE ANY OTHER
For centuries the final two weeks leading up to Easter have been referred to as Passiontide. The veiling of statues, crosses and holy images is an exterior sign that gets our attention and signals that something is different about this time. Since our parish is named in honor of the Holy Cross, this is a particular season of grace for us.
Palm Sunday is the gateway into an utterly unique week. Here are several practical ways to enter in:
+ Below is the translation of the Vexilla Regis, a 6th century hymn which is traditionally used for Vespers from the Fifth Sunday of Lent until Holy Thursday. Its poetry is unmatched. Use the text as a starting point for reflection or look up the Vexilla Regis chant on YouTube. It is a kind of ‘theme song’ for our parish that beckons us to look to the Cross with gratitude and devotion.
The flag of our King comes forth: the mystery of the Cross shines upon us,
that Cross on which Life suffered death, and by his Death gave life.
He was pierced with the cruel Spear, that, by the Water and the Blood,
which flowed from the wound, he might cleanse us from sin.
Here, on the Cross was fulfilled the prophecy foretold,
in David’s truthful words: ‘God hath reigned from the Tree’.
O fair and shining Tree! beautified by the scarlet of the King,
and chosen as the noble trunk that was to touch such sacred limbs.
O Blessed Tree! on whose arms hung the ransom of the world!
It was the balance, wherein was placed the Body of Jesus, and thereby hell lost its prey.
May every spirit praise thee, O Holy Trinity, thou Fount of Salvation! and
by the Cross, whereby thou gavest us victory, give us, too, our recompense. Amen.
+ Reread the Passion Narratives. This year on Palm Sunday we read St. Matthew’s account and on Good Friday we always read St. John’s account. Find these accounts in a bible or online: Matthew 26-27; Mark 14-15; Luke 22-23; and John 18-19.
+ Make a Confession. In addition to our regular times, we have some additional Holy Week times. The door to mercy is open, but we must be humble enough to walk through it.
+ Participate in the utterly unique liturgies of the Great Triduum—the three days of prayer leading up to the Church’s celebration of Easter beginning on Holy Thursday evening. Our Lord asks us, “Could you not keep watch with me?” I am grateful to ministers, musicians and volunteers from all campuses who are so generously assisting.
+ This Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 10 am we will pray Morning Prayer at St. Hedwig. This simple prayer unites us with believers around the globe. In addition to our communal Stations of the Cross on Good Friday, these days are special days of quiet reflection, prayer and spiritual reading. Unplug from frivolous entertainment and noise during this time. Be especially intentional on Good Friday—the quintessential day of fasting and penance—which should be the most somber and poignant day of the year.
+ Holy Saturday is a day of preparation, but also of quiet stillness, pondering and waiting. Resist the urge to make it a busy day. Bring your Easter foods and participate in the traditional Polish Święconka or Basket Blessing. The food you bring to has a symbolic meaning and points to the Eucharist.
+ Pray for those who will receive the Sacraments at the Easter Vigil. The Easter Vigil which lasts upwards of two hours is truly the ‘mother of all vigils’ and harkens back the vigils that the early Christians kept awaiting the first light of dawn.
+ Come celebrate Easter with Holy Mass. We have a God who “knew the way out of the grave,” in the memorable phrase of G.K. Chesterton.
Fr. Cyprian, Fr. Justus, Deacon Evander, the parish staff, and I are truly grateful to spend our Holy Week in your service. This week is unlike any other. May our living of Holy Week be abundantly blessed!
~Fr. Howe