Reflection on Holy Week

For Catholics, and perhaps for all Christians, this coming week is the most solemn time of the year. We'll be celebrating the Easter Triduum beginning this Thursday, which is Holy Thursday. On that evening we will commemorate the Last Supper, and participate in a procession with the Blessed Sacrament following Mass. The following day, of course, is Good Friday, to be followed by Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday.

This is a time of year for all of us to reflect on our lives, especially the disappointments, troubles, and sorrows we've endured over the past year. It provides us with a unique opportunity to view our pain and suffering in the context of Christ's own passion and death.

All of us, no matter how hard we try to live a good life, endure pain and suffering. It's part of the human condition, and something none of us can avoid. I know I've had my fair share over the past year, losing my job, having three surgeries, mourning the loss of my grandmother, and watching helplessly as my 6 year-old nephew was diagnosed with a horrible disease. I think all of us have a year like that at some point during our lives.

But no matter how difficult the struggle may be, we can take comfort in the fact that we are not alone. God Himself knows our suffering. He put Himself in our position by taking the form of a man, and then accepting and even embracing a tragic, brutal death. The agony in the garden, the scourging at the pillar, the crowning with thorns, the carrying of the cross, and the crucifixion form the five sorrowful mysteries of the Holy Rosary, and they paint for us the picture of the extreme affliction Christ suffered during his last hours.

For me, it is a comfort to know that God understands our pain. He has been there before, and He knows exactly what we are going through. In fact, He knows a lot more about it than us, because His fate was far more painful and cruel than anything we will ever endure throughout the course of our lives.

But the greatest part about it all has to do with what followed this historic atrocity. Though a righteous man who lived his life for others was unjustly accused, convicted, tortured, and executed, the final result was greater than anyone could have ever imagined. For it is the Resurrection of Christ that gives us hope and strengthens our faith in times of trial.

As human beings, we experience suffering and death in many forms. Whether the loss of a loved one or a friend, the end of a marriage or long-term relationship, the loss of employment, or the loss of our homes and other possessions we hold dear, death manifests itself in many ways. But no matter what shape it takes, death can and will ultimately be succeeded by a resurrection.

I can sense that my resurrection is coming. Signs are popping up that this difficult, arduous time in my life is coming to an end, and that a transition to a new stage is already in process. I anticipate that this will be accompanied by a renewed sense of joy, one which will be greatly welcome! How amazing it is that this is all happening during this time of year, when Easter is fast approaching and the Resurrection of Christ will be celebrated around the world.

I hope that all of you who have suffered over the past year can also take solace in this, and that you too realize that no matter how great the pain, a resurrection will come. It may already be on its way. Hang in there, and to all of my Christian friends, Happy Holy Week!