Why are the statues veiled in Holy Week?

Veiled Statues in Holy Week.

 For many years it was the tradition that when someone died at home, the person was laid out and the mirrors and statues were covered over with a cloth.  

During Holy Week, the statues and crucifixes in the church will be covered with veils made from light purple cloth with no decoration. This is a sign that the Church is, in a sense in mourning, rather than the usual beauty and brightness that the statues bring. You will find further accurate information on this tradition  here. 

It should be remembered however that this outward sign of covering the statues and crucifix has a purpose, which is to focus the mind on the passion and death of Christ.  Remember Jesus just did not die for the whole world, but for you. Yes, that is right- if you were the only person on the earth, Jesus would have come on earth and died for you. That is how much love God has for His world and for every person in it individually.

On a personal note, for many years in my parish the statues were removed altogether. In more recent years they have been covered, although with a change of parish priest, I experienced the former form in more recent times again.  My personal preference is for the statues to be removed as it creates a sense of emptiness and bareness and assisted me to think specifically on the passion and death of Christ.  My usual visit to my favourite saint's statue had to be denied in Holy Week, but it made the return at Easter more delightful.

May you focus on the passion and death of Christ during Holy Week.

5th week of Lent before Holy week begins.

5th week of Lent before Holy week begins.

 Lent finishes at 12 noon on Holy Thursday. Today is the 5th Sunday of Lent and next week we begin Holy Week.

So how has your Lent gone?  Has it been great or a mixed bag( like mine) or perhaps you had great intentions and they all disappeared along the way.

Whatever the case, take a stock take today.  Why do I say this?

It is 5th week and we have the opportunity to start again or tweak or perhaps even start our Lenten journey again.  Never too late to start again.  Perhaps the penance you chose has not really worked for you.  Well, perhaps try something different, or if it is not working well for you, then work out why and change what needs to be changed.

There is a reading from Romans which reminds us of  the race and how they go into training to win the wreath.  It is not the start of the race that hurts but near the end when the finish line is in sight.

This is why we must keep going and run the race to the finish this Lent.

Perhaps if we have been slack or less than enthusiastic in our efforts, we might need to pick up the pace and sprint to the finish line. If we have been steady and solid in our journey, then we need to keep that pace going.  Whatever our circumstances, God knows and sees our efforts.

I have to say that I will probably need to sprint yet again to the finish line and make up for lost time.
Yet again I have to say to God- give me another year..

Yet this week we celebrate the feast of St Joseph which is a day off from Lent.

Perhaps we could ask St Joseph to journey with us through the rest of Lent together.  After all, he was foster father of Jesus, would have taught him his trade as a carpenter and cared for both Mary and Jesus.
So why not ask him to take us into his care as we journey through the rest of Lent.

Keep your faith alive with enthusiasm and burn with love for Jesus this coming week.

Rejoice in the Lord always- 4th Sunday of Lent

LAETARE SUNDAY

How is your Lenten journey progressing?  

Are you feeling weary and ready for a little break?

In Lent, we have the tradition to have a mid-Lent break, (the half way point of Lent), which is known as 'Laetare' Sunday derived from the latin 'to rejoice'. Liturgically we break away from the Lenten penitential spirit of the purple vestments to the wearing of rose-coloured vestments by the priest and/or deacon.  These rose-coloured vestments are only worn twice a year, so from a practical perspective, some parishes do not have a set, but use lighter purple vestments.

LET UP SUNDAY

The fourth Sunday of Lent is also known as 'let up Sunday' because we 'let up' on our Lenten penance. It can be a timely reminder for those of us who may have struggled through Lent so far.  I remember thinking during one of my disastrous Lents that we had reached the mid-point, and I had not got started.  It is an excellent time to review how our Lenten journey and tweak it accordingly.  Never too late to start and/or start again.

Ironing and Lent

 Happy Ash Wednesday.

 

ASH WEDNESDAY

Today is Ash Wednesday.  Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. The Church decrees that Ash Wednesday and Good Friday  are days of fasting and abstinence for all adult Catholics from 14-65 years.  It is only a minimum requirement laid down by the Church, but fasting, prayer and alms giving are essential tools in our journey of conversion of heart in this season of penance. For health reasons, the Church does not expect the sick and infirm to fast and abstain.

What does the Church mean by fasting?   The Church's expectation of fasting means to eat much less than would normally be eaten on these 2 days specifically, by eating one main meal and two light snacks. A traditional main meal dish on Ash Wednesday is either fish pie or vegetable casserole. It is highly recommended that we maintain fasting by not eating between these snacks and main meal on these two days.  Abstinence requires that we abstain from all meat and meat products.

We are entering into a holy season, a season of repentance and a season which provides us with the opportunity to have a conversion of heart.  We need therefore to not just obey the Church's decree in order to fulfill our obligation, but rather enter into it enthusiastically in the right spirit of mind and heart.

IRONING AND LENT

So, you might wonder what is the link between ironing and Lent?  I was ironing this morning. I decided to get it done as I had been putting it off. Today was the day to take some action.   As I was ironing, I turned off the music and allowed myself to be in my own thoughts.  It occurred to me as I was ironing that these tablecloths, serviettes etc needed extra care to iron out the creases.  In fact, they needed the moisture from the steam to restore them.  My soul can become dry and creased through sin, so in this season of repentance, the Church offers us a chance to beautify our souls by giving us moisture and steam to concentrate in ironing out the creases (sin).  Some creases are small and others are larger. Both need the iron to smooth out the creases. 

So, with these thoughts, it led me to consider the creases of my soul and what am I going to do about them during this holy season.

I hope you all get a lot of ''spiritual ironing'' done during Lent so that by Easter dawn your soul will have new life. 

Laetare Sunday

LAETARE SUNDAY TRADITIONS.

Laetare Sunday and Mothering Sunday

How is your Lenten journey progressing?  

Are you feeling weary and ready for a little break?

In Lent, we have the tradition to have a mid-Lent break, (the half way point of Lent), which is known as 'Laetare' Sunday derived from the Latin 'to rejoice'. Liturgically we break away from the Lenten penitential spirit of the purple vestments to the wearing of rose-coloured vestments by the priest and/or deacon.  These rose-coloured vestments are only worn twice a year, so from a practical perspective, some parishes do not have a set, but use lighter purple vestments.

The fourth Sunday of Lent is also known as 'let up Sunday' because we 'let up' on our Lenten penance. It can be a timely reminder for those of us who may have struggled through Lent so far.  I remember thinking during one of my disastrous Lents that  we had reached the mid-point, and I had not got started.  It is an excellent time to review how our Lenten journey and tweak it accordingly.  Never too late to start and/or start again.

It is also known as 'Mothering Sunday', coming from the ancient Roman tradition, when a  festival of motherhood and fertility was held at this time. It was linked to the fact that the whole earth seemed to be fertile at this time. (Spring).   This festival was also known 'Matronalia,' and was celebrated by making cakes out of grains of cereal or pounded almonds.  Simmel cake and the creamy egg custard pudding were traditional menu items.

The Church took over these festivals and gave them new meaning by highlighting the dignity of women and motherhood through the image of Mary.  Through Mary, the dignity and status of Christian mothers was 'iced on the Catholic menu'.

Another important tradition of the Mothering Sunday is to to honour 'Mother Church'.  We can do this simply by visiting the cathedral (Mother Church of the diocese) on this day (or if not, sometime during this week). By doing this, we can gain a greater understanding of the great reality of the Church as our Mother and Bride of Christ.

Let us rejoice as we universally celebrate 'Laetare' Sunday.

Holy Week: The Holiest Week of the Year

Christ, the Son of God 

was willing to obey the will of His Father

 to die and rise 

so that the whole human race could be saved. 

Christ died and rose for ME.  

Let us enter into this holiest of weeks in the Church's Year
and accompany Christ on His journey to His death 
and Resurrection.

Ash Wednesday: Ashes and Sackcloths.

ASHES: Do you know what Ash Wednesday is?

I wonder what young children would think Ash Wednesday is?  Perhaps they would answer (a) Ash Wednesday fires of 1983 in South Australia and (b) Test Cricket series between England and Australia or perhaps they would not be able to answer at all.

The ashes are made from the blessed palms used in the Palm Sunday celebration of the previous year. The ashes are christened with Holy Water and are scented by exposure to incense.  It is not only the Church being 'green and environmentally friendly', but it links us to our past Lenten Season and reminds us of the ongoing pilgrim journey of repentance. 

On Ash Wednesday, the priest or extraordinary minsters of the Eucharist distribute the ashes on our foreheads saying ' Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return' or Repent and believe the Good News'. At Baptism we are sealed on our foreheads. The ashes sign of the cross connects us again to our Baptism, and the words remind us to that we are a pilgrim people- our homeland is with God in Heaven and that the Church provides us with the opportunity during Lenten season to review our lives and turn again to God with prayer, fasting and alms giving.

This simple ceremony to mark the beginning of Lent occurs in every Catholic Church throughout the world including St Peter's Basilica where the Pope both distributes and receives the ashes. As we receive the ashes, we are unity with the whole Catholic Church throughout the world. Everyone is following this same Lenten journey of repentance 'from the greatest to the least' as scripture tells us.

SACKCLOTHS:

Sackcloth was originally a coarse hessian style of cloth used to make sacks or a coarse cloth resembling sacking. Sackcloth is mentioned in scripture at least 60 times in both Old and New Testament   It was a physical and visual reminder to all the community of an interior disposition of of mourning.repentance and remorse.

A few Lents ago, I decided to buy my own 'sackcloth' -something simple to wear in Lent.  The simple purple twinset purchased from an opportunity, shop which I wore mainly at home, was a physical reminder of my Lenten observances. I felt I was wearing my Lenten armoury to fight the temptation of the fridge and pantry, and wearing it was physical reminder of the Lenten season. 

This Lenten season has been hot so my simple twinset is inappropriate. However, going through the wardrobe, I found another purple top, suitable for this hot Australian weather in Lent. It is now become my summer sackcloth!!!

May your Ash Wednesday be blessed

Good Friday and its tradtions

  Good Friday is vital to every Christian as it is the day Christ gave His life for humanity so that salvation may be won for all.

Good Friday is called Good becuase it is the day:that:

• our salvation was won for us by Christ on the Cross.
• sorrow, solemnity and mourning occur in the Liturgy.
• represents it being 'God's Friday'.
• the good thief rebuked the other thief dying with Jesus and Jesus granted him ' today you will be with me in paradise'.

The Old Anglo-Saxon name for Good Friday was 'Lang Fredag or Long Friday.   It was called 'long' because it created the sense of being great and significant.

For health reasons, the Church does not expect the pregnant, sick and infirmed to fast and abstain, but the Church decrees that Ash Wednesday and Good Friday  are days of fasting and abstinence for all adult Catholics from 14-65 years.  Although it is only a minimum requirement laid down by the Church, fasting, prayer and almsgiving are essential in our journey of conversion of heart.

The Church's expectation of fasting means to eat much less than would normally be eaten on these 2 days specifically, by eating one main meal and two light snacks. A traditional main meal dish on Good Friday is either fish  or vegetable casserole. Hot Cross buns are usually served as the light snack.  It is highly recommended that  fasting is maintained by not eating between these snacks and main meal on these two days.  Abstinence requires that we abstain from all meat and meat products.

 

May this Good Friday bring you a deeper understanding and value

for the eternal life won for you by Christ's death on the cross.

Spy Wednesday and its grace for us.

Wednesday in Holy Week was often referred to as 'Spy Wednesday', but it is not a liturgicial term.  Although the reason is indefinite, it is most likely due to the phrase in scripture: 
'Judas 'kept looking for a way to hand him over'. (Mt 26:15).
It is also noteworthy that Matthew's Gospel  tells us that after Judas had betrayed Jesus, that he went back to the Chief priests and flung the money back into the temple. (Mt: 27:3).   The guilt and remorse of Judas was so real that he went and hung himself. Sadly he could see no future.

Although Judas is known through Scripture to have unsavory characteristics in his behaviour, we can take heart that he was a failed disciple.  We too can be like Judas- at least  some part of us- we can fail and betray Jesus by our behaviour and choose not to be a worthy disciple.

On this Spy Wednesday, we may wish to consider which areas of our lives that could be aligned or similar to Judas' behaviour in being a failed disciple.  We may wish to consider what are the 30 pieces of silver that we use to betray Christ?

Thankfully, through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, we have been redeemed and we can turn to Him.  We admit our faults/sins and through the grace and the mercy of God in the sacrament of Reconciliation/Penance  hear the beautiful words of absolution that Christ offers us.

The Meaning of Ash Wednesday

 Do you know what Ash Wednesday is?

In a Religious Education class some years ago, the teacher asked the question 'what is Ash Wednesday about?'  The replies from these primary children  included  (a) Ash Wednesday fires of 1983 in South Australia and (b) Test Cricket series between England and Australia.
This teacher certainly had her work ahead of her that Lent!!!

The ashes are made from the blessed palms used in the Palm Sunday celebration of the previous year. The ashes are christened with Holy Water and are scented by exposure to incense.  It is not only the Church being 'green and environmentally friendly', but it links us to our past Lenten Season and reminds us of the ongoing pilgrim journey of repentance. 

On Ash Wednesday, the priest or extraordinary minsters of the Eucharist distribute the ashes on our foreheads saying ' Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return' or Repent and believe the Good News'. These are not only powerful words.  At Baptism we are sealed on our foreheads. The ashes sign of the cross connects us again to our Baptism, and the words remind us to that we are a pilgrim people- our homeland is with God in Heaven. 

 

This simple ceremony to mark the beginning of Lent occurs in every Catholic Church throughout the world including St Peter's Basilica where the Pope both distributes and receives the ashes. As we receive the ashes, we are unity with the whole Catholic Church throughout the world. Everyone is following this same Lenten journey of repentance 'from the greatest to the least' as scripture tells us.

 In Scripture during Lent we hear the word sackcloth mentioned. So what is sackcloth?

 Sackcloth was originally a coarse hessian style of cloth used to make sacks or a coarse cloth resembling sacking. Sackcloth is mentioned in scripture at least 60 times in both Old and New Testament   It was a physical and visual reminder to all the community of an interior disposition of of mourning.repentance and remorse.

A few Lents ago, I decided to buy my own 'sackcloth' -something simple to wear in Lent.  The simple purple twinset purchased from an opportunity, shop which I wore mainly at home, was a physical reminder of my Lenten observances. I felt I was wearing my Lenten armory to fight the temptation of the fridge and pantry, and wearing it was physical reminder of the Lenten season.

May your Ash Wednesday be blessed.

Clean Monday and its tradition

Clean Monday also known as Pure Monday, Ash Monday, Monday of Lent or Green Monday, is the first day of the Eastern Orthodox Christian and Eastern Catholic Great Lent. It is a moveable feast that occurs at the beginning of the 7th week before Orthodox Easter Sunday.

The common term for this day, "Clean Monday", refers to the leaving behind of sinful attitudes and non-fasting foods. It is sometimes called "Ash Monday," by analogy with Ash Wednesday (the day when the Western Churches begin Lent). The term is often a misnomer, as only a small subset of Eastern Catholic Churches practice the Imposition of Ashes. The Maronite Catholic Church is a notable Eastern rite that employs the use of Ashes on this day.

Liturgically, Clean Monday—and thus Lent itself—begins on the preceding (Sunday) night, at a special service called Forgiveness Vespers, which culminates with the Ceremony of Mutual Forgiveness, at which all present will bow down before one another and ask forgiveness. In this way, the faithful begin Lent with a clean conscience, with forgiveness, and with renewed Christian love. The entire first week of Great Lent is often referred to as "Clean Week," and it is customary to go to Confession during this week, and to clean the house thoroughly.

The theme of Clean Monday is set by the Old Testament reading appointed to be read at the Sixth Hour on this day (Isaiah 1:1-20), which says, in part:

Wash yourselves and ye shall be clean; put away the wicked ways from your souls before Mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well. Seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, consider the fatherless, and plead for the widow. Come then, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: Though your sins be as scarlet, I will make them white as snow; and though they be red like crimson, I will make them white as wool (vv. 16–8).

In the Western Church, the beginning of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.  However, we could learn from this tradition from the Eastern Rite. It could be a sound practice for us to go to confession at the start of Lent and if we so desire, clean our houses also. Both aspects mean it is indeed a  "clean week"' if we both attend to both our soul and our physical environment.

Dessert Menu for Pentecost Sunday.

DESSERT MENU FOR PENTECOST SUNDAY.

THE HOLY SPIRIT

Fruit Salad is often used as a dessert for Pentecost Sunday. It is made from 12 fruits to represent the 12 Fruits of the Holy Spirit which are: Charity, Generosity, Joy, Gentleness, Peace, Faithfulness, Patience, Modesty, Kindness, Self-Control, Goodness and Chasity.

The fruit salad can be made using both dried fruits such as currants, raisins, dates and tinned fruits as well as fresh fruits. These are then combined with a syrup made with sugar and water and perhaps a dash of your favourite liqueur.

Another name for Pentecost Sunday is its traditional name' Whitsunday' which commemorated the white robes worn by the newly baptised on this day. Two other traditional desserts served therefore are white food-meringues or a sponge cake topped with white icing.

Regardless of whether you choose these traditional Pentecost desserts or not, it is important to remember that a new chapter began at Pentecost, and the Apostles started to take the Gospel of salvation to the whole world.  This is also our task.  Pentecost ends the liturgical season of Eastertide, but it marks the birthday of the Church.

The message of Easter and of the Church is not something meant to be kept to ourselves, rather it is the glorious news that we must take to everyone : the love of God, the forgiveness of sins, and the redemption of the human race.   . May the Holy Spirit bless you abundantly.

Happy Birthday to all believers.

Catholic Ascensiontide traditions

ASCENSIONTIDE.

The nine days between Christ's Ascension into Heaven and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost were spent by the Apostles in prayer. This is thought to be the origin of the Novena- a name still given to the tradition of praying for nine consecutive days when there is something special or some great need we want to ask of God.

The days before the feast of the Ascension were known as 'Rogation days' from the Latin 'rogare', meaning 'to ask'. One of the traditions associated with Rogation days were the Rogation processions. Rogation processions gave their names to various places, such as 'Gospel Oak', where the Gospel would be read or 'Paternoster field' where the Our Father would be said.

These are still sometimes used around the fields asking for a blessing on the land and on the newly-planted crops. Some churches near the sea have a blessing of the water and the fishing boats, for the harvest of the sea. 

This tradition has been linked with 'beating the bounds' with processions around the parish boundaries. This commenced after the Reformation, when the old rogation processions were formerly banned. People missed them and so they turned it into walks around the parish borders.

Another tradition of Ascensiontide is the decorating and blessing of wells, and thanking God for the gift of pure water. Some rural villages have beautiful floral 'well dressings' depicting Biblical scenes and local saints.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION.

Why not have a Rogation procession in your parish around the parish borders. Prayers, rosary and/or a blessing of a particular spot. You might include both traditions by cleaning up a local well or fountain that as a parish venture, and then bless and decorate it during the Rogation procession on Ascensiontide.

He is alive- He is not here

EASTER MEMORY: HE IS ALIVE

RESURRECTION WINDOW.

Easter has many memories associated with it, some of which are connected to the Easter Triduum and its preparations in my work.

However, in more recent years, I am reminded of the special time I had in the Holy Land in 2000. Visiting the holy places, especially those connected to Jesus' journey to Calvary and the tomb are more vivid as the passion is read on Palm Sunday and Good Friday. 

I will never forget the experience I had whist visiting the tomb.  I walked in and it was as though I could hear a voice saying' He is alive- he is not here.  The voice was so clear, so I turned around to see who spoke.  There was a crowd waiting in the queue, but then I realized that it was coming from within me. I will never forget the experience, and each Easter as I hear the Easter story being read, I get a flash back of my trip and feel the certainty that He is alive- He is not here.

Easter begins of course on Easter Sunday and now we enter into the glorious season of Eastertide for 50 days.  As we live out these wonderful days, may we walk with the Risen Lord in our lives.

May Christ be not found in the tomb of our lives but be indeed truly risen- He is alive. Alleluia.

Easter Traditions

 EASTER EGGS

Easter Eggs: Image by https://pixabay.com/users/Couleur-

The tradition of Easter eggs came from the fact that people did not eat eggs during Lent.  These were saved up and became part of the Easter celebrations. . Decorating the eggs was achieved by first blowing out the contents, but making a small hole at the end of each egg, and then blowing through the contents into a bowl.  The eggs were then decorated according to taste, but most often painted.

The eggs were used in lots of different ways during Eastertide including using the raw egg as shampoo, and later adding it to the shampoo to bring out an excellent shine in the hair and making it healthy.  I have used this suggestion myself and although it is messier than shampoo, it does achieve an excellent shine.

A polish tradition is to take the decorated basket of eggs and other Easter breakfast foods to be blessed by the priest on Holy Saturday.and Easter Sunday.

The Easter egg hunt is a very old custom, and obviously related to the simple reality of free range hens tending to lay their eggs in all sorts of different places.There is also a Christian link in the notion of Mary Magdalen in the garden looking for Christ 'They have taken my Lord, and I know not were to find him'.

EASTER MENU

The traditional dish for Easter Sunday lunch is Roast Lamb, into which spears of rosemary have been stuck. Rosemary is identified with the 'bitter herbs' mentioned in the book of Exodus as part of the Passover meal.

The traditional dessert was Simmel cake associated with Laudate/Mothering Sunday.

In more recent times, people have taken to serving fish/salmon as the traditional Easter meal.   I much prefer Roast Lamb myself.

In Australia, pavlova and/or cheesecake became a traditional dessert, although with people being more health conscious, other alternatives such as fruit salad or Easter biscuits with coffee are served.

Traditions associated with Good Friday

Traditions associated with Good Friday

There are a number of interesting traditions associated with Good Friday. These are as follows:

HOT CROSS BUNS:

The traditional food for Good Friday is the Hot Cross bun, which originally were spicy fruit buns marked with a Cross on the top. They were served hot from the oven.  The origin of hot cross buns is associated with the day of fasting and abstinence decreed by the Church.  (see Fasting and abstinence posts in this series for full details) Hot cross buns were simple yet were filling enough for the two snack meals required on this day.

In some churches, hot cross buns are distributed after the liturgy and the funds raised are given to charity.

BLACKSMITH TRADITION:

Because of the action of the soldiers in nailing Christ to the Cross, blacksmiths would not shoe horses on Good Friday, as it entails hammering nails into the horses' hooves.

TRADITION OF THE CROSS:

The cross is traditionally said to have been made of wood from the ash tree, which is why that tree is said to quiver slightly. Ash was commonly used to make spears because of its 'springiness' and straight grain. However the wood of the Cross seems to be an issue for discussion with various results being put forward.

PLANTING

Good Friday is said to be a good day for planting seeds since Christ's blood fell on to the soil and blessed it on that day.

PERSONAL TRADITIONS 

On Good Friday I have some personal traditions which I look forward to as part of my Holy Week ritual. 

1.            Attendance at Morning Prayer with the Dominican community. It takes about an hour but it is always such a precious time for me and each year there always seems to be something fresh about it. Some years are more florid than others depending on the number and ability of the community to sing.  Sometimes, those in the community who do not think they have a singing voice surprise themselves as they make the effort. I wait with enthusiastic expectancy to hear the Lamentations, whether they be sung in Latin or English.I also have the privilege to attend Morning Prayer on Holy Saturday and Evening Prayer on Easter Sunday.

2.            Attend Solemn Liturgy of Good Friday.

3.             Eat Hot Cross buns: For most of my life we came home from Church from the solemn Liturgy of Good Friday. Mum quickly put the oven on and in went the hot cross buns. Mostly the hot cross buns were homemade but occasionally mum used to buy them.

4.            Attend Prayer around the Cross in the spirit of Taize: For the last 9 years I have played the organ/piano for the prayers around the Cross in the Spirit of Taize. Sadly, I will miss this privilege this year.

Good Friday is always a quiet, spiritual day. It is always fills me with great gratitude that Christ died for me.

Why is Good Friday called Good?

GOOD FRIDAY

WORDS OF CHRIST ON THE CROSS:

WHY IS GOOD FRIDAY CALLED GOOD?

The Old Anglo-Saxon name for Good Friday was 'Lang Fredag or Long Friday.   It was called 'long' because it created the sense of being great and significant.

Good Friday is called Good because it is the day: that:

• our salvation was won for us by Christ on the Cross.
• sorrow, solemnity and mourning occur in the Liturgy.
• represents it being 'God's Friday'.
• the good thief rebuked the other thief dying with Jesus and Jesus granted him ' today you will be with me in paradise'.

FASTING AND ABSTINENCE ON GOOD FRIDAY.

The Church decrees that Ash Wednesday and Good Friday  are days of fasting and abstinence for all adult Catholics from 14-65 years.  It is only a minimum requirement laid down by the Church, but fasting, prayer and almsgiving are essential tools in our journey of conversion of heart in this season of penance. For health reasons, the Church does not expect the sick and infirm to fast and abstain.

What does the Church mean by fasting?   The Church's expectation of fasting means to eat much less than would normally be eaten on these 2 days specifically, by eating one main meal and two light snacks. A traditional main meal dish on Good Friday is either fish or vegetable casserole. Hot Cross buns are usually served as the light snack.  It is highly recommended that we maintain fasting by not eating between these snacks and main meal on these two days.  Abstinence requires that we abstain from all meat and meat products.

WHY IS GOOD FRIDAY ESSENTIAL?

 Good Friday is vital to every Christian as it is the day Christ gave His life for humanity so that salvation may be won for all. 

May this Good Friday bring you new meaning and appreciation 

for the eternal life won for you by Christ's death on the cross.

Spy Wednesday Wednesday of Holy Week

WHAT DOES SPY WEDNESDAY MEAN?

Although the term Spy Wednesday is not a liturgical designation, Wednesday in Holy Week was often referred to as 'Spy Wednesday'.  This was probably because, as Scripture tells us, that 'Judas 'kept looking for a way to hand him over'.  Matthew tells us too that after he had betrayed Jesus, that he went back to the Chief priests and flung the money back into the temple.  Perhaps this can be interrupted as some remorse, but Judas felt the guilt so much that he went and hung himself.

Although Judas is known through Scripture to have unsavoury characteristics in his behaviour, we can take heart that he was a failed disciple.  We too can be like Judas- at least some part of us- we can fail and betray Jesus by our behaviour and choose not to be a worthy disciple.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF SPY WEDNESDAY

On this Spy Wednesday, let us ponder the areas of our lives that could be aligned to Judas' behaviour in being a failed disciple.  What are the 30 pieces of silver that we use to betray Christ?

Let us turn to Christ.  Unlike Judas, we can choose to admit our faults/sins and through the grace and the mercy of God in the sacrament of Reconciliation/Penance hear the beautiful words of absolution that Christ offers us.

Veiled Statues in Holy Week.

Veiled Statues in Holy Week.

 For many years it was the tradition that when someone died at home, the person was laid out and the mirrors and statues were covered over with a cloth.  

During Holy Week, the statues and crucifixes in the church will be covered with veils made from light purple cloth with no decoration. This is a sign that the Church is, in a sense in mourning, rather than the usual beauty and brightness that the statues bring. You will find further accurate information on this tradition  here. 

It should be remembered however that this outward sign of covering the statues and crucifix has a purpose, which is to focus the mind on the passion and death of Christ.  

On a personal note, for many years in my parish the statues were removed altogether. In more recent years they have been covered, although with a change of parish priest, I experienced the former form in more recent times again.  My personal preference is for the statues to be removed as it creates a sense of emptiness and bareness and assisted me to think specifically on the passion and death of Christ.  My usual visit to my favourite saint's statue had to be denied in Holy Week, but it made the return at Easter more delightful.

May you focus on the passion and death of Christ during Holy Week.

Palm Sunday: the traditions of the donkey and the palms

Palm Sunday: the traditions of the donkey and the palms

PALM TREE: 

THE DONKEY

Did you know that every donkey has a cross marked on its back?  It is there clearly marked in the fur.  Tradition says that this is because of the donkey that carried the Lord on that first Palm Sunday. 

THE PALMS

On Palm Sunday the palms that are blessed are given out at Mass.  Usually there is a procession, either in the shorter or longer form depending on pastoral considerations.  Where there is the traditional procession, the reading of the Gospel for Palm Sunday is read outside. During that time, palm branches are held to recall the triumphant entry of Christ into Jerusalem. The hymn 'all glory, praise and honour to Christ Redeemer King is traditionally sung during the procession.

When we take the palms home, it is important to remember that they have been blessed, and therefore should be treated as holy objects. Some palms can be created into crosses, and these are excellent for using as a book mark in the missal or our bibles.  It is a timely reminder for the whole year of the start of the Church's holiest of weeks- Holy Week which commemorates the great events of Christ's passion, death and resurrection.

During Mass, the reading of the Passion is read according to the appropriate yearly cycle, whereas on Good Friday, the reading of the passion according to St John is read.  When the passion is read, the whole triumphant mood is changed.  It signifies also the fickleness of the crowd towards Jesus- they were crying out ' Hosanna to the Son of David' and later on Good Friday- 'crucify Him'.

May you enter into this greatest week of the Church's calendar -Holy week- with great spiritual enthusiasm.