March 21st, 2008 at 3:00 pm

The Crucifixion and Death of the Lord

in: Announcements., Catholicism

We continue our pilgrimage through the Gospel of Luke which describes the Passion…

When they came to a place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. [Then Jesus said, "Father forgive them, they know not what they do."] They divided his garments by casting lots. The people stood by and watched, the rulers, meanwhile, sneered at him and said, “He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Messiah of GOD.” Even the solders jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine they called out, “If you are King of the Jews save yourself.” above him there was an inscription that read, “This is the King of the Jews.”

Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us.” The other, however, rebuking him, said in replay, “Have you no fear of GOD, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

It was now about noon and the darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun. Then the veil of the temple was torn down the middle. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit”; and when he had said this he breathed his last. The centurion who witnessed what had happened glorified GOD and said, “This man was innocent beyond doubt.” When the people who had gathered for this spectacle saw what had happened, they returned home beating their breasts; but all his acquaintances stood at a distance, including the women who had followed him from Galilee and saw these events. Luke 24:33-49

The Triduum of the Church is one long Mass. It begins on Holy Thursday and lasts until the conclusion of the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday Night. In ancient times, the Easter Vigil would begin at sundown and last until dawn of the next day when the Gloria was proclaimed. But now it isn’t done quite that long.

The vigil consists of 12, yes I said 12, readings beginning in Genesis, through the prophets, a Letter from St. Paul and finally a Gospel is proclaimed. After the Liturgy of the Word, The Elect are Baptized and Confirmed along with the Candidates. Then we have the Liturgy of the Eucharist which Christ himself instituted on Holy Thursday.

If you have the opportunity, even if you are not Catholic, to attend the Easter Vigil, I suggest you do. It, for me at least, deepens one’s faith. All are welcome, but only Baptized Catholics can receive the Eucharist. You are invited however, to receive a blessing if you wish. Simply place your arms across your chest in an X pattern placing your hands on your shoulders. This tells the priest or Eucharistic Minister that you wish to have a blessing.

I hope we can all grow closer together through this celebration of the Feast of the Resurrection. THE Holiest time of the year for all Christians.

Bookmark and Share
[del.icio.us] [Digg] [Reddit] [Sphere] [StumbleUpon] [Technorati] [Email] More »
Sphere: Related Content




Comments are closed.