Holy Week Muse

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic, Holy Week
As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you (Isa 66:13). I yearn to gather you and your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings (LK 13:34, my translation).

I’ll write the Good Friday reflection later today, evening time I think. I have a morning outdoor Stations of the Cross in Palm Beach Gardens to attend and participate, then Good Friday services at Saint Mark’s.

What an amazing Holy Week. It is unusual for me to have so many memorial and graveside services during Holy Week (usually deferred). Yet, much to my surprise the readings Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of Holy Week were so perfect to fit the inspirations for the liturgy itself and the homiletics and eulogy themes that resulted for me and the mourning family speakers.

Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father. He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end (Jn 13:1).

We usually know when death is near. Yet it is the perfect time to know how your family loves you. And loves on you to the end.

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?” (MT 26:17).

Preparing for the Passover has many vectors to consider. For the moment consider this. We help those those who are about to die. We help those in anticipatory grief. We help those who mourn and need to ways to express love. Where and how. In love the disciples asked, not as a facilitation of an event, but as an expression of love and honor.

The Passover commemorated the redemption from slavery and the departure of the Israelites from Egypt by night (NABRE Commentary).

It is a movement from affliction to freedom. It recognizes the sudden haste with which death comes – even as we know it comes, does it not startle us when it comes ‘so quickly‘. It recalls the promises. The blessings of the everlasting mountains, the delights of the eternal hills (Gen 49:26).

Some miscellany shots.

Palm Sunday at VAMC

South Florida National Cemetery

SFNC. One family had three generations buried here (one set of grandparents reinterred). It was amazingly comforting to know the family (Aunts, Uncles too!) all veterans and spouses will remain together forever.

Holy Thursday was Chrism Mass in the morning at the VAMC and Mass of the Lord’s Supper in the evening. The Chrism Mass was both Chrism and Memorial.  God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness (PS 45:8) which is also known as the Sacred Chrism of our baptism. It that not perfect for a mourning soul?!

The Mass of the Lord’s Supper was amazing and bilingual. Assisting our priests is a high honor for a deacon. It literally defines our ministry. Later, sitting alone with Jesus for an hour in Adoration afterwards. During this contemplation of the love of God, I recall people and events that express this love. The Holy Spirit reveals and pushes to the front things long forgotten and loves filed away but so very real and present, also, too, prayers for our priests. How many I have affectionate memories and hopes for them. Even recent years reassignments and transitus – prayer for their souls. When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, “So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (MT 26:40-41).

Conclusion

Until later today, be well. Remember you are loved. Deeply. Personally. Absolutely. Eternally.

P.S. AI doesn’t like my muse. It’s hard for AI to believe English is my first language.

Peace be with you,

Deacon Gerry

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