At last, Holy Thursday is here. Today we will commemorate the Institution of the Eucharist, the Institution of the Sacred Priesthood upon the Disciples, and Jesus's agony and arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. I have found no account of the Passion more mystical and beneficial for my own spiritual life than the account in "The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ" according to the visions of Blessed Catherine Emmerich. I suggest all people read the account of Holy Thursday for today. It can be read online.
And so today we will celebrate and remember these events. Tomorrow we will spiritual journey with Our Lord. Tomorrow at 9 AM we will remember that His Passion begins. Jesus Christ was condemned to death. We will remember His Scourging at the Pillar of Flagellation, His Crowning with Thorns, and His Carrying the Cross. Tomorrow at 12 Noon, we will commemorate the instance when He was nailed to the Cross and lifted up from the Earth. And three hours later, at 3 PM, we will recall His death. Those three hours are the holiest hours in the year. Little to no talking should be done during that time.
For this reason, I will not be blogging anymore during the Sacred Paschal Triduum. Instead I will be journeying with my Lord. Tomorrow I will dress in all black, pull the shades and blinds closed, turn off televisions, computers, and telephones. Tomorrow I will journey with My Lord to His death. Good Friday is a day of abstinence and fasting. Please, at all moments, pray tomorrow.
Holy Saturday I will continue fasting until Noon like the Catholics of past generations did. Until the Vigil Mass, I will spiritually follow My Lord to His Tomb and sit outside and weep. It was our sins that condemned Him to death.
I encourage all of my readers to do the same - spiritually journey with Our Lord, pray the Divine Office each day, attend Mass each day of the Triduum, and pray, fast, and give alms.
Below is some information that I have previously posted on liturgical law for the Triduum. Following that are my articles on the Triduum from last year. And now I will leave the blogging world for a few days and follow My Lord who gave up His Life for each and everyone of us.
Liturgical Law and the Triduum:
HOLY THURSDAY
Washing of Women's feet is completely forbidden by the Apostolic See. This is reserved to men, preferably twelve of number, thus it symbolizes the twelve apostles. (Source: Paschales Solemnitatis). From Jan. 16, 1988, No. 51 of the circular letter states: "The washing of the feet of chosen men which, according to tradition, is performed on this day, represents the service and charity of Christ, who came 'not to be served, but to serve.' This tradition should be maintained, and its proper significance explained."
GOOD FRIDAY
A day of mandatory Fasting and Abstinence (Canon 1251).
Upon entering our pews, we are to genuflect to the Crucifix not the tabernacle because the Eucharist is not present today in the Tabernacle (Source: GIRM 274).
The priest, upon approaching the altar, is to prostrate himself before it (USCCB). Concerning the adoration of the Cross, "A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful, who in the solemn liturgical action of Good Friday devoutly assist at the adoration of the Cross and kiss it" (Source). The crucifix should be covered in a red or black material. Also, the baptismal founts are drained on this day until the evening of the Easter Vigil.
This is the only day of the liturgical year in which Mass is not, and is prohibited from being celebrated. A Liturgy of the Word with Communion is done by a priest with the special rite prepared in the Sacramentary. Holy Father Benedict XVI permits black to replace the red in the Liturgy of the Word, but red most be worn for the Rite of Holy Communion. A cope is appropriate for the Liturgy of the Word, and is permissible for the Communion Rite. This distinguishes Mass from Communion Services.
HOLY SATURDAY
While not required by the current Code of Canon Law, Traditionalists will abstain and fast until the Vigil Mass.
Readings should not be cut out. While the rubrics opt. for this, it is suggested that all be read. The Easter Vigil is the most important vigil in the Church and the readings "portray the whole history of human salvation, from the time of Adam to Jesus Christ." (PBXXI)
Liturgical Law and the Triduum:
HOLY THURSDAY
Washing of Women's feet is completely forbidden by the Apostolic See. This is reserved to men, preferably twelve of number, thus it symbolizes the twelve apostles. (Source: Paschales Solemnitatis). From Jan. 16, 1988, No. 51 of the circular letter states: "The washing of the feet of chosen men which, according to tradition, is performed on this day, represents the service and charity of Christ, who came 'not to be served, but to serve.' This tradition should be maintained, and its proper significance explained."
GOOD FRIDAY
A day of mandatory Fasting and Abstinence (Canon 1251).
Upon entering our pews, we are to genuflect to the Crucifix not the tabernacle because the Eucharist is not present today in the Tabernacle (Source: GIRM 274).
The priest, upon approaching the altar, is to prostrate himself before it (USCCB). Concerning the adoration of the Cross, "A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful, who in the solemn liturgical action of Good Friday devoutly assist at the adoration of the Cross and kiss it" (Source). The crucifix should be covered in a red or black material. Also, the baptismal founts are drained on this day until the evening of the Easter Vigil.
This is the only day of the liturgical year in which Mass is not, and is prohibited from being celebrated. A Liturgy of the Word with Communion is done by a priest with the special rite prepared in the Sacramentary. Holy Father Benedict XVI permits black to replace the red in the Liturgy of the Word, but red most be worn for the Rite of Holy Communion. A cope is appropriate for the Liturgy of the Word, and is permissible for the Communion Rite. This distinguishes Mass from Communion Services.
HOLY SATURDAY
While not required by the current Code of Canon Law, Traditionalists will abstain and fast until the Vigil Mass.
Readings should not be cut out. While the rubrics opt. for this, it is suggested that all be read. The Easter Vigil is the most important vigil in the Church and the readings "portray the whole history of human salvation, from the time of Adam to Jesus Christ." (PBXXI)
Past Posts on the Triduum:
- Top Ten Suggestions for Holy Week
- Holy Thursday
- Holy Thursday: Plenary Indulgence
- Good Friday information
- Good Friday Prayer
- Pope Benedict XVI's Good Friday service (2006)
- Easter Proclamation
- Holy Saturday
4 comment(s):
Your site is beautiful, I was fortunate enough to find it through Brittany from http://intothedeep.wordpress.com/ .
I am asking you and your readers to say a very special prayer this Holy Week and especially Easter Sunday and Monday. On Easter Monday a young, all alone, 12 year old Ethiopian boy named Alex will present himself to the court in Lalibela, Ethiopia to petition for the final part of his adoption by my family. We are unable to be there due to the financial burden. But we are there in spirit and in prayers and each day we talk to Alex by email or phone.
We ask you and your readers to have a special vigil for Alex and to come together with us and bless him and ask our God in Heaven and the Beloved Mary to be beside Alex and to touch the hearts and souls of those who can make his dream, his prayer a reality.
Please consider linking to his web site at http://alex-roadtofreedom.blogspot.com/2007/04/easter-vigil-for-alex-success.html or at http://alex-roadtofreedom.blogspot.com
Thank you
How does dressing in black and shutting out the light serve to enhance your prayer?
T.O.,
It helps me mourn the loss of my Lord. Good Friday is a day of morning. We should remain in the darkness that day and contemplate His love. It helps me celebrate the joy of Easter infinitely better.
Rod, I'll be praying for you and Alex.
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