Easter Sunday Vigil
Category: Holy Week
Then God said, “Let there be” O love, O charity beyond all telling!
Greetings on this the Holy Saturday At the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter
Readings: (various)
Summary
Then God said, “Let there be… And so it happened. God looked at everything he had made, and found it very good.
Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth (Ps 104:30).
You are my inheritance, O Lord (Ps 16:1).
Let us sing to the Lord; he has covered himself in glory (Ex 15:1b).
I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me (Ps 30:2a).
You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation (Isa 12:3).
Lord, you have the words of everlasting life (Jn 6:68c).
Like a deer that longs for running streams, my soul longs for you, my God (Ps 42:2).
Reflection
Brothers and sisters:
Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus
were baptized into his death?
We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death,
so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead
by the glory of the Father,
we too might live in newness of life.
(Rm 6:3-4).
Personal Reflection
Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” (Mt 28:10).
The human family struggles even in this hour.
- Who am I?
- Why am I?
- What is my final end?
We men and women of faith say:
- God wills you live.
- God loves your life.
- God wishes to be with us in a holy union forever.
Throughout these difficult days we can recognize the human weakness that brings such ills. In the great mystery, each year we sing it although we barely try to actually understand it nor apply its message. The necessary sin of Adam.
This is the night
when Christ broke the prison-bars of death
and rose victorious from the underworld.
Our birth would have been no gain,
had we not been redeemed.
O wonder of your humble care for us!
O love, O charity beyond all telling,
to ransom a slave you gave away your Son!
O truly necessary sin of Adam,
destroyed completely by the Death of Christ!
O happy fault
that earned for us so great, so glorious a Redeemer!
O truly blessed night,
worthy alone to know the time and hour
when Christ rose from the underworld!
Happy Easter Everyone!
He is Risen.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040426.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Stations of the Cross West Palm Beach Courthouse
Abuse Awareness
Holy Thursday
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Father, into your hands
Greetings on this the Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion
Readings: Isaiah 52:13—53:12; Psalm 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17, 25; Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9; John 18:1—19:42
Summary
The passion narratives are proclaimed in full so that all see vividly the love of Christ for each person. In light of this, the crimes during the Passion of Christ cannot be attributed, in either preaching or catechesis, indiscriminately to all Jews of that time, nor to Jews today. The Jewish people should not be referred to as though rejected or cursed, as if this view followed from Scripture. The Church ever keeps in mind that Jesus, his mother Mary, and the apostles all were Jewish. As the Church has always held, Christ freely suffered his passion and death because of the sins of all, that all might be saved.
(NABRE Commentary on the Passion Reading)
Reflection
I’ll post the FaceBook and/or YouTube.
Today a protest Stations of the Cross at the West Palm Beach Court House.
Good Friday service at 3:00 PM.
Personal Reflection
(Lk 23:46) Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040326.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Model, Strength and How to Follow
Greetings on this the Holy Thursday-Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Readings: Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14; Psalm 116:12-13, 15-16bc, 17-18.; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-15
Summary
Model to Follow
So when he had washed their feet
and put his garments back on and reclined at table again,
he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you?
You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am.
If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet,
you ought to wash one another’s feet.
I have given you a model to follow,
so that as I have done for you, you should also do.” (Jn 13:12-15).
Strength to Follow
Brothers and sisters:
I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you,
that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over,
took bread, and, after he had given thanks,
broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you.
Do this in remembrance of me.”
In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying,
“This cup is the new covenant in my blood.
Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup,
you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.
(1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
How to Follow
This is how you are to eat it:
with your loins girt, sandals on your feet and your staff in hand,
you shall eat like those who are in flight.
It is the Passover of the LORD.(Ex 12:11).
Reflection
This Mass is the beginning of the Holy Triduum of the Lord. Commemorating the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Our Lord, Jesus Christ.
In our sacred readings and in our actions today we follow Jesus specifically prescribed by Jesus (and his later Apostle Paul).
- A model to follow for all who are followers of the Master and Teacher – welcome and sanctify the people.
- A strength to follow with the reception of the Most Precious Body and Blood of Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist (sacred bread).
- A way to follow – with urgency, anointing and agency: Girt, Sandals and Staff.
Personal Reflection
Lord, today a particular gift for your deacons. Because of health issues it is highly likely the deacons will perform the washing of the feet today. It is a great honor. Earlier in the week I left this prayer in the Sacristy and now know why I printed it for the Church. To reassure our priests in all things they are respected and all our subordinate actions flow from the charism of the priesthood of Jesus Christ.
Lord, today I will not insist on my role.
But I will not abandon it either.
Receive what is given,
and what is withheld.
Lord, tonight, is our night to follow you unreservedly. Bless the work of our hands.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040226-Supper.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Two Questions
Greetings on this the Wednesday of Holy Week
Readings: Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 69:8-10, 21-22, 31 and 33-34; Matthew 26:14-25
Summary
Two Sets of Two
What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you? Surely it is not I, Rabbi? (Mt 26:15, 25)?
Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover? Surely it is not I, Lord? (Mt 26:17, 22)?
Jesus descends to his agony – R. Lord, in your great love, answer me (PS 69:14c)
For your sake I bear insult,
and shame covers my face.
I have become an outcast to my brothers,
a stranger to my mother’s sons,
because zeal for your house consumes me,
and the insults of those who blaspheme you fall upon me.
Insult has broken my heart, and I am weak,
I looked for sympathy, but there was none;
for consolers, not one could I find.
Rather they put gall in my food,
and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
I will praise the name of God in song,
and I will glorify him with thanksgiving:
“See, you lowly ones, and be glad;
you who seek God, may your hearts revive!
For the LORD hears the poor,
and his own who are in bonds he spurns not.”
Reflection
The two sets of two questions bring into focus the differences between loving and using.
- Jesus is either Lord or merely a Teacher.
- Jesus is either to be helped or sold out.
Jesus must bear all of it. The betrayals and the disbelief.
Deeply he suffered. Deeply he loves.
Personal Reflection
Hail to you, our King, obedient to the Father; you were led to your crucifixion like a gentle lamb to the slaughter.
If I have any questions for the Lord, may it be like those of the Apostles.
- How can I be of help, Lord?
- Lord, help me be faithful to you.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040126.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Fulfill Scripture
Greetings on this the Chrism Mass (early on Tuesday)
Readings: Isaiah 61:1-3a, 6a, 8b-9; Psalm 89:21-22, 25 and 27; Revelation 1:5-8; Luke 4:16-21
Summary
Today is Holy Tuesday. Because Thursday is a rich theological day in the Church (Mass of the Lord’s Supper) and the Chrism Mass (of the same day), the Chrism Mass is often moved to earlier in the week – Today. At this Mass, the Bishop consecrates the Sacred Chrism and blesses the Oils of the Sick and Catechumens. These three oils of the Church are used throughout the year when ministering to others the spiritual gifts the Church has to offer in the name of Jesus Christ.
Two major purposes of the Chrism Mass (in addition to receiving the Lord in Holy Eucharist):
- Renewal of the Priestly Vows.
- The Sacred Chrism and blessing of the Oils of the Sick and Catechumens.
The sacred readings today fit this Mass perfectly.
From the Prophet Isaiah, The Anointed Bearer of Glad Tidings.
From our Gospel of Luke, the portion today, The Rejection at Nazareth – but today we focus on the first half – the Sent and Fulfillment.
In this Gospel we see three movements: being sent, being rejected (just beyond today’s passage), and being fulfilled.
Reflection
But our conclusion today, is the most important for today and maybe every day.
He said to them, “Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Lk 4:21)
First, fulfilled in Jesus. Then continued through his priests. Then extended to all of us.
Fulfillment of the divine promise so written in Isaiah, and made manifest in Jesus, continues in our Priests.
Carried from the bishop to the parish, these oils become quiet witnesses that the mission of Christ continues among us.
Personal Reflection
Every use of these sacred and blessed oils: Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.
Every priestly ordination: Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.
Each good thing you do in the name of Jesus: Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.
Help Jesus, in your own way, fulfill the promise of Glad Tidings.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040226-chrism.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Chesed Shel Emet (True Kindness)
Greetings on this the Monday of Holy Week
Readings: Isaiah 42:1-7; Psalm 27:1, 2, 3, 13-14; John 12:1-11
Summary
So Jesus said, “Leave her alone.
Let her keep this for the day of my burial.
You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” (Jn 12:7-8)
Reflection
The commingling of the anointing/blessing by Mary, Jesus’ prediction of the day of my burial, and the reason for the festival and the cause of the final plot to kill Jesus, is almost an uncontemplatable convergence of divine actions amid the certainty of death. Holy Week leads us through this dark valley. Sure in the promise of Resurrection but every bit real in grief and hardship. This is why the Church always speaks of two things: Horizon and Charity. Even in the darkest moments, we are reminded.
Charity – Chesed Shel Emet (True Kindness) – True kindness—chesed shel emet—is traditionally seen in burying the dead, an act that cannot be repaid. Mary anticipates this with her anointing. A kindness given with no expectation of return. Mary embodies this.
Horizon – Resurrection is our Final End. Our final end. Our certainty beyond the present darkness. Mary hopes for this.
Blessed Anointing
Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil (Jn 12:3).
Death Prediction
So Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial (Jn 12:7).
Festival
The large crowd of the people found out that he was there and came, not only because of Jesus, but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead (Jn 12:9).
Plot to Kill Jesus and Lazarus
And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too, because many of the people were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him (Jn 12:10-11).
The Horizon (Psalm 27:1, 2, 3, 13-14)
R. (1a) The Lord is my light and my salvation.
The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom should I fear?
The LORD is my life’s refuge;
of whom should I be afraid?
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
When evildoers come at me
to devour my flesh,
My foes and my enemies
themselves stumble and fall.
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Though an army encamp against me,
my heart will not fear;
Though war be waged upon me,
even then will I trust.
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD with courage;
be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Personal Reflection
In the most difficult time, Jesus chooses to remember Mary and her anointing him. Her compassion that transcends the difficulties of the day and remembers the Horizon of love. May we be like Mary this day. Love with true kindness without hope of servile gain. But to share the Horizon with Jesus.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/033026.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
His blood be upon us and upon our children
Greetings on this the Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
Procession: Matthew 21:1-11
Readings: Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24; Philippians 2:6-11; Matthew 26:14—27:66
Summary
Christ became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name.
(Philippians 2:8-9)
Reflection
- Our Palm Sunday Mass begins with the Triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
- The Mass ends with the realization: we have placed Him in the tomb.
The first reading reveals the confidence of the Christ in the face of overwhelming opposition:
The Lord GOD is my help,
therefore I am not disgraced;
I have set my face like flint,
knowing that I shall not be put to shame.
(Isa 50:7)
The Responsorial Psalm recounts the evidence of the depths of our disobedience:
Indeed, many dogs surround me,
a pack of evildoers closes in upon me;
They have pierced my hands and my feet;
I can count all my bones.
(Psalm 22:17-18)
The second reading describes the humility of Christ:
Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
something to be grasped.
Rather, he emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
coming in human likeness;
and found human in appearance,
he humbled himself,
becoming obedient to the point of death,
even death on a cross.
(Philippians 2:7-8)
Then the reading of the Passion of the Lord. Divided into four parts (Narrator, Voice, Choir, Jesus).
The people take the part of the Choir (the People).
It is here we come to the vocalization of the resistance to Jesus as a verbal part of our own personal history.
The point is not to read this narrative as simply the story of ‘the sins of others’. But rather the story of our own lives and the occasional or habitual resistance to the divine will. Not to deepen our guilt but to enliven our hope in him.
- They said in reply, “He deserves to die!”
- Some slapped him, saying,”Prophesy for us, Christ: who is it that struck you?”
- “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They answered, “Barabbas!”
- Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!”
- But he said, “Why? What evil has he done?” They only shouted the louder, “Let him be crucified!”
- And the whole people said in reply, “His blood be upon us and upon our children.”
The Lord did not obey the crowd — He obeyed the Father, even as He allowed Himself to be handed over by His children. This is not the guilt of a people, but the condition of all humanity. We all stand in that crowd.
While evil sought guilt, the Father willed reconciliation. “His blood be upon us and upon our children”—indeed, this becomes the very blessing the Lord had in mind.
Taking the book of the covenant, he read it aloud to the people, who answered, “All that the LORD has said, we will hear and do.” Then he took the blood and splashed it on the people, saying, “This is the blood of the covenant which the LORD has made with you according to all these words.” (Ex 24:7-8)
Personal Reflection
I pray you have a Holy Week. May the contradiction of Palm Sunday not drive us to resignation but to hope. The Lord knows and will turn our stones into living bread.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032926.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
And they remembered his words
Greetings on this the Holy Saturday At the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter
Readings: (see below)
Summary
And they remembered his words (Lk 24:8).
The extensive readings given at the Easter Vigil cover the entirety of the faith from the beginnings to the triumph of the Resurrection so we may remember what God has done for us!
- Genesis – The Story of Creation.
- Psalms 104 – Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
- Genesis – The Testing of Abraham.
- Psalms 16 – You are my inheritance, O Lord.
- Exodus – Crossing the Red Sea.
- Responsorial from Exodus – A song of praise by Moses and the People for their rescue. One of the oldest known song-texts of ancient.
- Isaiah – The New Zion.
- Psalms 30 – I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.
- Isaiah – An Invitation to Grace.
- Responsorial from Isaiah – You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
- Baruch – Praise of Wisdom (Holy Spirit).
- Psalms 19 – Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.
- Ezekiel – Regeneration of the People.
- Psalms 42 – Like a deer that longs for running streams, my soul longs for you, my God.
- Epistle – Freedom from Sin; Life in God. From the letter to the Romans.
- Psalms 118 – Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. A critical psalm to express you, the people, speaking! In OCIA dialogical form (side A and side B).
- Gospel of Luke – The Resurrection of Jesus.
Reflection
The readings today are all about remembering. Remembering the promises, the works, the wonder of the one called Jesus the Christ. He helps us remember who we are in relation to the divine.
Remembering:
- What and Why I am.
- How I am.
- What my final end is.
Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they came to believe the scripture and the word Jesus had spoken (Jn 2:22).
The great remembering is the anamnesis of the Holy Mass.
I let A.I. give me a nice summary here:
Personal Reflection
It has been an amazing Holy Week. So many blessings and remembering! O how the Lord loves us!
In the Latin Church, the traditional greeting on Easter morning and throughout the Easter Octave is: Christus surréxit! – Surréxit vere, allelúja (“Christ is risen!” – “He is risen indeed, Alleluia!”). From the wiki.
The Easter Proclamation
See teaching: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/a-short-teaching-on-easter-proclamation.pdf
This year our new Cantor will be singing the Exultate (traditionally sung by a deacon but this guy has an amazing voice and is a treasure for our parish!).
Traditional Closing of Mass during the Easter Octave
I’m not this good… but here is the dismissal …
Sacred Readings Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041925.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry