Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN
Holy Week invites us to ponder our relationship with God more deeply. Tomorrow, the Triduum begins (Latin for three days) and ends on Easter evening.
On Holy Thursday evening, we remember how Jesus loved us as He gathered with His disciples for the Passover meal.
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, gave thanks and gave it to them saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.” Matthew 26:26-28
Although the disciples didn’t realize it then, this bread and wine we call the Eucharist is one way Jesus is always with us. In washing their feet, Jesus shows that divine love is not distant; it kneels, touches, and cares. Jesus came to show us God’s love and teach us to love one another.
On Good Friday, we journey with Jesus to the cross. We hear His story, His rejection, His suffering. I can see myself following Him, along with the other women. Jesus was special to women. He spoke to them, loved them and knew they were created in a special way to spread His love to others.
These holy days remind us that God’s relationship with us is not dependent on our success or worthiness — it is steadfast, even when everything seems lost. His love is with us in our darkest places.
Then comes Easter! Alleluia, He is risen! God is with us, God is for us, God is drawing us into His life with one another. Happy Easter everyone.
May our lives mirror Jesus’ journey, always moving toward transformation and resurrection.
Blessings,
Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3