“Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Were you there when they nailed him to the tree? Were you there when they pierced him in the side? Were you there when the sun refused to shine? Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?”
These words from an old African-American spiritual are a kind of anamnesis—remembering the past in the present in order to recognize the future. The events we hear of on Palm Sunday are the culmination of Jesus’ ministry. He was born to die. At the very instant of his death, his work was accomplished. All of creation, from the very beginning to the very end, was redeemed. The affirmation by the centurion, “Truly this man was the Son of God,” sums up who Jesus was and is.
We recall past events in the present day to prepare for our future meeting with the Lord. In many senses, we were with the Lord at his crucifixion because our sins and transgressions contributed to God becoming man. There is an old adage: “That which is not assumed is not redeemed.” Jesus had to become one of us and endure all that we endure, including death, in order to save us.
But the story doesn’t end there. The last verse, “Were you there when they rolled the stone away?” recalls that the empty tomb is our destiny. Jesus Christ rose from the dead, unlocking the gates of Paradise for those who have been saved. The resurrection is our future. Eternal life is our goal.
This week, take some time to reflect on the scriptures pertaining to the holiest week of the Church year. Reread the passion account and put yourself in the story. When you hear the words, “Were you there?” remember that you were, are, and, more importantly, will be.
Please join us for this week’s events as you are able. The last communal penance service is on Monday at St. John Vianney at 7 PM. Holy Thursday (Mar. 28) has no morning Mass, adoration, or confession. You are invited to the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7 PM, followed by adoration until midnight. On Good Friday, we will have two opportunities to pray the Stations of the Cross. Indoor at noon and outdoor at 12:15. These will be followed by the Liturgy of Good Friday at 1:30 PM. This year, we will celebrate Tenebrae (The Service of Shadows), a series of readings and prayers to commemorate the death of Jesus. It is quite a moving experience, and it will be prayed at 7 PM in the Social Hall. The Food Basket Blessing will occur on Saturday at noon, and the Easter Vigil, at which we welcome our catechumens and elect into the church, begins outside at 8:30 PM. Easter Sunday Masses are at 7:45, 9:45, and 11:45 AM. These will be preceded by 20 minutes of prelude music. Please join us and invite your family and friends to experience Holy Week here at St. Therese.
