Jesus Cried Out in a Loud Voice….
(Matthew 26)
These past months have been extremely difficult. The world finds itself in isolation, cut off from the touch of a warm embrace and bereft of the presence of one another.
As we begin Holy Week and prepare to enter into the sacred Triduum, we know this year we will celebrate these sacred days in a most unusual way, a way that does not allow us to gather together with others.
As we adjust to the continued restrictions of the coronavirus pandemic, we realize that we will not be able to receive our blessed palms, experience the washing of the feet or kiss the wood of the cross in our customary way. These unprecedented times require us to find new ways to celebrate this holiest of weeks.
Let us allow ourselves to be drawn into the drama of Jesus’ final hours. To hear the loud cry of Jesus this week is to hear the cry of all those whose lives have been affected by the coronavirus—the cry of the doctors, nurses, caregivers, housekeepers, first responders, and all those who have given unselfishly and untiringly of themselves to reach out to others with compassion. To hear the loud cry of Jesus is to hear the cry of the homeless, the refugee, the imprisoned, the unemployed, the isolated, families who have lost loved ones, the elderly and all those who have died. The loud cry continues. Let us not be deaf to this cry but let us allow such cries to move us to deep prayer and call us to be women of hope.
In Pope Francis’ video message for Holy Week, he urges Christians around the world, encouraging us to “try, if we can, to make the best use of this time. Let us be generous. Let us help those in need in our neighborhood.” And in the silence of our cities, the Easter Gospel will resound.” Once again we will unite in spirit to celebrate the most joyful of days-Easter Sunday.
May your Holy Week be a sacred time and may God bless us as we make this journey to Easter Sunday together. Stay safe and stay well.
~Sister Charmaine Krohe, SSND