PASCHAL TRIDUUM, GOOD FRIDAY

Isaiah 52:13—53:12
Psalm 30
Hebrews 4:14-16.5:7-9
John 18:1—19:42

THE CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S PASSION

Today is the second day of the Sacred Triduum. Apart from the stations of the cross that characterizes the day, today’s liturgy is made up of three parts, namely, the liturgy of the Word which helps us understand the true meaning of the suffering and death of Jesus Christ, the veneration of the cross and the liturgy of the Pre-sanctified or Holy Communion. The focus of today’s liturgy is the cross.

In Jewish understanding, the cross was the emblem of shame, curse, punishment, condemnation, torture, suffering and death. The imagery of a cross was something absurd and resentful. It pointed to anger and bitterness, hatred and violence.

But Jesus changed the perspective of the cross. With Jesus the cross has become the emblem of friendship, redemption and glory. It has become the symbol of triumph and not defeat, life and not death, forgiveness and not condemnation. As the Suffering Servant, Jesus was thought of as someone cursed, punished by God. He was despised, rejected, humiliated, a man of sorrow and acquainted with grief, finally crucified. And yet, through his Passion and death, he has become the source of salvation, healing and wholeness for mankind.

Today, let us reflect on the culture of death and violence that characterizes our world today. Innocent people are unjustly condemned, jailed or killed. Innocent lives are lost through abortion and war. Out of our selfish ambitions, we sell others. The love for power has taken over the power of love. We destroy the reputation of others through backbiting and blackmails. We break the hearts of those who love us and trust us; we reject and abandon them at the moments they need us most. And the culture of revenge and unforgiveness is growing even among Christians.

May the Lord forgive us! May he be the consolation and strength to those who are suffering. Amen

PASCHAL TRIDUUM, HOLY THURSDAY

Exodus 12:1-8.11-1
Psalm115
1Corinthians 11:23-26
John 13:1-15

MASS OF THE LORD'S SUPPER

Today's Mass in memory of the Last Super opens the "Pascal Triduum", a three day's journey that commemorates the events that led to our Redemption: the Passion, death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The focal point of today's liturgy is the Upper Room, where Jesus took the last Super with his disciples. Three events are celebrated:
- the giving of the new commandment of love, expressed in gestures of  humble service,
- the institution of the Eucharist as a symbol of his self giving for us,
- the institution of the priesthood to perpetuate his presence among his people. That which holds these three mysteries together is Jesus' love for us.

The first reading narrates the institution of the Jewish Passover, marked by the immolation of the lamb. The eating of the Passover lamb preceded the exodus event. The second reading explains the Eucharist as instituted by Christ himself during the super that preceded his Passion and death.

At the Last Super, Jesus stood among his disciples as one who serves. He washed his disciples' feet as a concrete example of serving one another. Such humility is an example for us to follow. Moreover, he gave his Body and Blood as a ransom for many. This act of self giving demonstrates Jesus' love for us. Thus, those of us who partake in the Eucharist must also give ourselves in serving others.

Today, let each of us spend some time in adoring the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Amen