For all Christians, Holy Week, the days of Jesus’ Passion and Resurrection, marks the holiest time of the year. For all Roman Catholics, the Easter Triduum, (tri-doo-um) begins with evening Mass on Holy Thursday, reaches its high point in the Easter Vigil and closes on Easter Sunday evening.
From the events remembered these days, so sorrowful and so joyful, the church learns it’s deepest lessons. In rites and words, the mysteries of Jesus’ final hours are etched deeply within us: His Passion; His Suffering and His Triumphant Resurrection. During this time, many discover the answer to their questions: “ Does God really love me ? Can God Forgive Me ? " We have only to look and learn from Jesus Christ .
These are days for transfixing our eyes on the holy mystery of His cross and filling our hearts with the words of His gospel. Nowhere else does God’s love appear so vividly.
The following, an except from His Death Is Our Hope , was written by St. Augustine from Augustine's Sermo Guelferbytanus 3: PLS 2, 545f.
The passion of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the hope of glory and a lesson in patience. What may not the hearts of believers promise themselves as the gift of God’s grace, when for their sake God’s only Son, co-eternal with the Father, was not content only to be born as man from human stock but even died at the hands of the men he had created?
It is a great thing that we are promised by the Lord, but far greater is what has already been done for us, and which we now commemorate. Where were the sinners, what were they, when Christ died for them? When Christ has already given us the gift of his death, who is to doubt that he will give the saints the gift of his own life? Why does our human frailty hesitate to believe that mankind will one day live with God?
Who is Christ if not the Word of God: in the beginning was the Word, and the Words was with God, and the Word was God? This Word of God was made flesh and dwelt among us. He had no power of himself to die for us: he had to take from us our mortal flesh. This was the way in which, though immortal, he was able to die; the way in which he chose to give life to mortal men: he would first share with us, and then enable us to share with him. Of ourselves we had no power to live, nor did he of himself have the power to die.
In other words, he performed the most wonderful exchange with us. Through us, he died; through him, we shall live.
The death of the Lord our God should not be a cause of shame for us; rather, it should be our greatest hope, our greatest glory. In taking upon himself the death that he found in us, he has most faithfully promised to give us life in him, such as we cannot have of ourselves.
He loved us so much that, sinless himself, he suffered for us sinners the punishment we deserved for our sins. How then can he fail to give us the reward we deserve for our righteousness, for he is the source of righteousness? How can he, whose promises are true, fail to reward the saints when he bore the punishment of sinners, though without sin himself?
Let us then fearlessly acknowledge, and even openly proclaim, that Christ was crucified for us; let us confess it, not in fear but in joy, not in shame but in glory. The apostle Paul saw Christ, and extolled his claim to glory. He had many great and inspired things to say about Christ, but he did not say that he boasted in Christ’s wonderful works: in creating the world, since he was God with the Father, or in ruling the world, though he was also a man like us. Rather, he said: Let me not boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ .
For those of us who seek a purpose in this crazy, upside down world, I pray that this Easter Season blesses a discovery for your true purpose. Rejoice! this day says to all creation. The Word who made all things, as a new Adam, freshly proclaims God’s promise of life. All creation celebrates God’s love.
A very Happy and Blessed Easter to all!
Judi Lynn Lake has kept up with leading edge business trends throughout her varied and successful career. She had already had her ‘15 minutes of fame’ over and over again before starting her family. Judi and her family now reside in South Carolina but, having been born and raised on Long Island, NY, it is clearly evident that she will always be a "New Yorker." Today, she successfully runs her own advertising agency which handles everything from logos, branding and package design while she continues to work closely with self-published authors from design to promotion.
» left by Teresa Ortiz(4,075) Teresa Ortiz (155 days 11 hours ago.)
Hi Lucy, it's me Ethel-you know, the one with thte better singing voice.. :-)
Thank yu for sharing this wonderful piece of history -what it must have been like to hear the words preached for the first time. Thank you for sharing something that brought me back to the heart of my Savior. Love you bunches, Teresa. PS Britt comes home tomorrow! Can't wait to hear the details. :-) Respond to this comment
» left by Judi Lake(2,270) Judi Lake (155 days 11 hours ago.)
HEY LUCY ('thought I was Ethel...) 'just left a comment on your article which really brought tears to me it was so beautiful! Geez, Brits trip flew; betcha you're excited! sending you hugs and sorry... I SING BETTA!!!!... ahum... Respond to this comment
Right on! I often imagine what it was like to actually see and hear Christ speak. I think I'd go dumb from experience over load. He is the greatest teacher. I love his response to the people who bring him the adulterous.
She has broken the Mosaic law, so what shall we do, Lord? "Let he who has not sinned cast the first stone."
His teachings and arguments can not be argued. He always knew what to do and what to say. Our Master was a master in all ways. Peace. Respond to this comment
» left by Judi Lake(2,270) Judi Lake (151 days 7 hours ago.)
Jeff, Amen. There is nothing I need to add in response to you as you've said it all. Peace and Happy Easter! Respond to this comment
» left by robert melaccio sr (153 days ago.)
Judi your title says it all and His passion is a lesson of the ages. In it he provides example after example for believers. He is the divider and THE CHOICE for us all. Good job! I hope all is well? PS I read your little girls article, great job. Step aside mom, your replacement has arrived. Bellings Robert. Respond to this comment
» left by Judi Lake(2,270) Judi Lake (151 days 7 hours ago.)
Yes, Robert, He is the divider and the choice for each of us and I am forever humbled as I always find myself with so much to learn. Ha! so my Laura is to replace me? Honestly, I'd be honored -- she's everything I never was and I thank you for the compliment. Thanks, as usual, Robert and I truly with you the best Easter! Respond to this comment
» left by April Lorier(4,569) April Lorier (151 days 8 hours ago.)
Hey, Judi. Interesting life led by St Francis. He lived a very profligate life before meeting Jesus Christ as his personal savior. Maybe some time I'll write about his life. It would make a TERRIFIC movie! Good article, kiddo. Talk to you SOON. Wanna hear if my prayers were answered, you know. Respond to this comment
» left by Judi Lake(2,270) Judi Lake (151 days 6 hours ago.)
And hey back atcha, dear April! Although nothing within this article refers to St. Francis (the writings within this article are excerpts from St. Augustine), it is ironic that you mention St. Francis. Before "life got so hectic", I was a secular Franciscan and actually love the spirituality of Franciscans. Much has been written about him and St. Clare. One of my favorite Franciscan authors, Murray Bodo, has written amazing poetry, songs and books on him. Another tremendously gifted secular Franciscan is folk singer, John Michael Talbot; his songs touch the spirit beautifully. There also have been wonderul movies about him: "Brother Sun, Sister Moon" and "The Flowers of St. Francis" to name two. I guess you can figure out that you touched a chord with me as I've said, I love the spirituality and simplicity of the Franciscan's. Thanks for commenting and, yes, still need all the prayers we can get.... Happy Easter! Respond to this comment
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