Holy Week

3/28/13

Answering the Call: Holy Week

For many Catholics such as myself, this time of year may be very grueling and tedious. We are just finishing off lent, the time where we supposedly sacrifice something and also fast during Fridays. However all of this sacrifice is ultimately very fulfilling once we reach this very important point in our salvation history. During this week we reflect on arguably the most important week ever. Not only did Christ institute the ever important Sacraments of Eucharist, reconciliation, and priesthood during this week,but he also managed to suffer for our sins, die on the cross, and fulfill his mission by rising on the third day. Pretty raw huh? Yes Jesus is truly awesome and he is truly God made man due to his unconditional love he shows for us by accepting death for each  and every one of us. 

For those of you Catholics reading this, I recommend that you take as much advantage of this time as possible. I personally enjoy this time of year because I feel an especially close relationship to Christ by reflecting on all that he did for us. Even though it might seem boring to go to mass so many times, I recommend you go to mass on all days of Holy Week: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Easter Sunday. If you would like an even more fulfilling time I especially recommend the Easter Vigil. Even though it is 3 HOURS long, I find this mass one of my favorite moments of the year. I really enjoy having the chance to watch other people becoming full members of the Church during the mass when people are baptized, confirmed, and given their first communion.

 I guess I have a special connection to this mass since about 4 years ago, my brother-in-law completed his conversion to Catholicism at this mass. If you do choose to listen to my recommendation and go to Easter vigil for the first time or maybe return after a while, leave a comment and let me know what you thought. Did you feel a closer connection to Christ at this time?