The liturgical richness of Lent, Holy Week, and the Paschal Triduum is an “immense ocean” from which to draw in order to reach Easter, the most important feast for Christians throughout the world, with renewed hearts.
It is therefore no wonder that, in order to reach this solemnity, a special period and a journey of preparation are necessary.
Ash Wednesday
The period of preparation for Easter begins on Ash Wednesday (it ends on Holy Thursday before the Mass of the Lord’s Supper) and is characterized, as its name indicates, by the imposition of ashes on the head of every Christian. This gesture has a twofold meaning: on the one hand, it serves to remind us of conversion, and on the other, of heartfelt repentance.
For this reason, during Lent it is important that we approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation, including by taking part in a penitential celebration.
Palm Sunday
This Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week and leads us to Easter Sunday, when we celebrate Christ’s resurrection. It recalls Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, when he was welcomed by the celebrating citizens as the Messiah.
Palm Sunday introduces us to the celebration of the mystery of the Lord’s passion, death, burial, and resurrection; for this reason, it is also known as “the Passion of the Lord” Sunday. On this day, the Gospel of the Passion is proclaimed in a dialogued form.
The Paschal Triduum
It is the center of the liturgical year, the most profound and significant moment in every believer’s journey of faith. The three days of the Triduum successively present the various aspects of the Paschal mystery:
Good Friday celebrates the Passion, which culminates in death: it shows us Christ taking our tragic destiny upon himself, even shouldering our sins.
Holy Saturday celebrates the mystery of the burial: that empty tomb, which prepares the triumph beyond all appearances, underscores the importance of hope in Christianity.
The night and day of Easter mark the culmination of the Paschal event: Christ’s triumph over death.
The liturgical celebrations
It is no surprise that the celebrations associated with these three days are so elaborate, complex, and solemn.
The richness of the Paschal mystery means that for each celebration the Church designates a series of rites and gestures specific to each day and each celebration. Some examples? The washing of the feet, the repositioning of the Blessed Sacrament, the veneration of the Holy Cross, the blessing of the fire, the lighting of the Paschal candle, the renewal of baptismal promises…
But how can we find our way through all this variety and richness of gestures proposed by the Liturgy?
The resource “From Lent to Easter: A Liturgical and Prayer Journey” can help us make the holiest time of the year our own, by enriching both communal and personal prayer.
Let us prepare for Easter so that, by accompanying the Lord in his Passion and death, we may experience the joy of his Resurrection and his presence in our lives.
