Holy Week is here, and I am remembering.
Through the challenging years that I was very sick, the Triduum frequently took on special meaning. My heart was fragile and understood the drama and trauma of Jesus’s Passion. The year that included two surgeries I gave up on Lent halfway through, so exhausted by the sacrifice of life that I couldn’t live with any self-imposed sacrifices.
But there have also been years like this year. I have had an easy Lent. My life is easy, my health is good. My marriage, family and friendships are flourishing. How can I feel what I should feel during these days?
This past week the news reminded us of the violence that exists in the world: chemical weapons, American military action, religious persecution and terrorism. Part of our Lenten remembering is to call to mind that so many of our brothers and sisters suffer; a confluence of international tragedy brought that suffering to light .
During the reading of the Passion I held that in my heart, and remembered a truth of this story: that Jesus was willing to enter the madness and mess of the world, to serve and teach and love with integrity even unto death. The world is rough and frightening, but we’re not alone.
Have a blessed Holy Week.
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