Today is Holy Thursday, and the
beginning of the Triduum. Tonight, at our church, and at churches
across the world, we will celebrate the Last Supper (and the
institution of the Eucharist), and then walk with Jesus through the
rest of His Passion. Good Friday is tomorrow, the day we commemorate
Jesus' suffering and death on the Cross. Then comes Holy Saturday,
while we wait beside the tomb. Unlike Jesus's first disciples, we
wait in hopeful expectation. We know that Easter Sunday is coming.
Jesus rises from the dead, and we believe we also will rise with Him.
And then Lent will be over for another year, and we will celebrate
Easter for 50 more days (Yep, it's not just a one-day celebration,
like St. Patrick's Day or St. Valentine's Day. Jesus is way more
important.) :)
So in light of Lent coming to a close,
I want to reflect on what I hope to carry forward with me this year.
This Lent, I prayed a Rosary (nearly) every day. I hope to continue
this practice, even after Lent ends. It puts me in a more positive
frame of mind, and guides my day.
I also started wearing a Scapular,
a practice I used to follow when I was still in school, but had
unconsciously left behind as an adult. The Scapular, which you can
read more about here, reminds me that I am not alone in my day-to-day
struggles. I have Jesus to guide me, and I also have his mother,
Mary. She has come back into my life through these two devotions.
Quietly. Patiently. She hasn't reproached me for my absence. Just
welcomed me with open arms, once again. I am glad to have her
example, as I strive to be the best mother I can to Mr. D. It's also
so comforting to feel her mother's love. I hope to carry my
connection with Mary, and her son Jesus, as I rise with Jesus on
Easter.
If you recall, I mentioned that my word or theme for this year is refuge.
Honestly, I haven't been as mindful of my theme as I would like to
admit. But, God has been (again) quietly working on my heart, and
showing me his Father's love. What a gift this is! He loves us. I am
loved! In all my wavering and imperfection, he still reaches out, and
calls my name. I only have to turn to him, and run into his arms.
So as
I rise with Jesus on Easter, I hope to hold on to the connection and
closeness I have felt to my mother Mary, and to my Father in Heaven.
How do
you hope to rise with Jesus this Easter?
