April 2009

 

Holy Week Traditions

The Seven Stations of Holy Thursday:

On Holy Thursday, after the Eucharist and services, the Blessed Sacrament is moved to a special tabernacle for adoration. The area is usually decorated with lots of flowers, candles and other Eucharistic symbols and the church remains open so the faithful can worship the Blessed Sacrament in community prayer or can spend hours in private adoration.

In many places throughout Spain and Latin America there is a widespread tradition of visiting seven of these “monuments”. The tradition is now being held among churches in the United States, with numerous parishes even securing buses to take the faithful to visit the seven monuments for prayer. In this way, we can hear the word of Jesus when he said to the disciples, “Could you not pray with me for at least an hour?”

The visit to the seven monuments is a popular tradition that was begun in 1559 by St. Philip Neri, as a reminder of how Jesus was taken from one place to another. In each station we meditate on a passage from the Scripture.

1. Jesus prays on the Mount of Olives (Luke 22:39-46)

When we are partying we manage somehow to stay up all night no matter how we feel, but when it comes to prayer it’s another story. We get sleepy, tired, and quickly find a good excuse to go to sleep. Just like he did with the disciples, Jesus asks if we could spend some time with him in vigil; accompany him during this difficult moment of doubt and anguish. His friends were not available. We could understand this when we feel lonely and there is no one near us to lend an ear and give their heart to us. Could we do this for Jesus tonight?

2. Jesus is tied and taken to the home of Annas (John 18:19-22)

We don’t like it when others tell us what to do or say and where we should go, much less when we being tied up and removed by force. What’s even worse is to feel you are being judged, criticized, and up to a certain point, even persecuted. Today, living with Jesus can mean refusing to judge others; to alleviate their burden of being judged, and to untie the hands of those in our surroundings who are not allowed to do certain things or simply don’t have the necessary preparation or education.

 

3. Jesus is taken before Caiaphas (Matthew 26:63-65)

Another judgment and another accusation. It is very difficult to remain silent, to assume a non-violent stance and not defend ourselves. On some occasions it is what we must do; when defending ourselves is a useless effort that can only produce greater negativity and persecution. There are occasions, however, when we must speak, especially when the accusation is against someone who is innocent.

 

4. Jesus is taken before Pontius Pilate (John 18:35-37)

Jesus always surprises us. He reassures us that he is a king, and yet there he is tied up and powerless before another man. As Christians, we are told that we are kings, which carries with it enormous dignity, yet our king is at the mercy of the powers of this world. Our way of reigning, therefore, will not be through dominance or power, but through service and sacrifice.

5. Jesus is taken before Herod (Luke 23:8-11)

Herod is only moved by his curiosity to see Jesus, the man he had heard so much about.  He thought Jesus would perform some miracle or magic in his presence. What moves us to seek Jesus? Curiosity or faith? Habit or calling?

6. Jesus is taken again before Pilate (Matthew 27:22-26)

There are many times when children try to escape their responsibility by blaming others. Sometimes adults try to free themselves from responsibilities and guilt by not becoming involved, or “washing their hands” as they often say. Deep down we know the truth and believe it is best not to face it. But not getting involved makes us just as guilty as if we had done evil ourselves. We are all equally responsible for the Jesus who suffers in our midst. In what ways do we face this responsibility?

7. Jesus is taken to his Passion (Matthew 27:27-31)

This may seem like a horrible ending to a passionate story. A hero who is killed in the end? Only because we know the ending to this story, can we view this scene without horror or denial. If this is how it was going to end, then the life of Jesus could have been a failure. But he knows this is just the end of his mission, the outcome of remaining loyal. What consequences could we face by being faithful to God? Are we willing to face them?  What hope moves us?

Processions:

Processions with images of the mysteries of salvation are a deeply rooted tradition among our people, with confraternities carrying images through the streets of towns, accompanied by song and prayer of the faithful. They are a great expression of popular religiosity, and by their very public nature, processions are a great opportunity for evangelizing.

 

 

 

The Living Way of the Cross:

The Living Way of the Cross is held in many cities and parishes. It helps, along with the participation from young people, to relive the mysteries. It is also a good occasion to reflect on the issues of justice by visiting such public places as the courts, the Department of Immigration or a jail. On many occasions, the Way of the Cross has been a moment of conversion for someone, who at the time was passing by the street, indifferent to the celebration, but mysteriously attracted and called by God in a very special manner.

 

The Funeral Procession:

This is a procession in complete silence with body of Christ in lying in state, and ends with songs, prayers and presentation of flowers to Jesus. After this procession we pray the Rosary of Condolences.

OFFER YOUR CONDOLENCES TO MARY ON GOOD FRIDAY

There is a strong tradition in our countries to visit the homes of a
deceased to offer our condolences. Many people bring food to make life
a little easier for the family who has lost a loved one. The same
courtesy is also presented, of course, to Mary upon the death of her
son, Jesus. It is a very common custom to go to the church after Good
Friday services and the procession of Jesus’ burial, to offer
condolences to Our Lady by praying a special rosary.

Here are suggested celebrations to follow each mystery of the Rosary:

1. Song
2. Biblical reflection
3. Personal prayer
4. Reflection
5. Recitation of the mystery

Introduction

We are here to accompany Mary in her sorrows. All of life is filled with joy and pain. We remember our pains, we lift them up to Mary, and we also take on her pain and accompany her in this time of great sorrow. We learn strength from Mary.

First Mystery: Encounter with Simeon(Luke 2:22-35)

 

All mothers suffer a great deal about the future of their children. What will become of them? Which paths will they choose? Who will make them suffer? What will be their contribution to the good of humanity?

Mothers suffer when their children meet rejection at school; when they have learning difficulties; when they face a first failure or a first romantic disappointment; when they are sick; and, above all, when they make decisions that seem to go against the family’s cultural and religious values that were instilled in them.

Simeon announced Mary would suffered greatly. Traditionally, we think of the seven sorrows (seven is a symbolic number meaning many) Mary had to suffer concerning the uncertainty of the future and mission of her son. She had to accept the mystery of what would happen to Jesus as the one sent by God. Mary must have also endured the pain of feeling an enormous responsibility, which perhaps she thought was too huge for her, just as any mother who sometimes thinks that she will be helpless and incapable of helping her children in all their needs and saving them from all pain.

For reflection
What are your concerns about your children? How do you deal with them? How do you speak to your children? Do you know them well? Do you know what their worries are, their interests, their problems?
Let us speak with Mary and present to her our pains and concerns about our children. Accompany her in her time of sorrow and allow her to accompany us in ours.

Second Mystery: Jesus is lost in Jerusalem (Luke 2:41-52)

As any other mother, Mary scolds her child for his apparent disobedience. But she later understands, or rather accepts, Jesus´ mission.

Many parents find it hard to accept and respect the decisions, likes and dislikes of their children. But the moment arrives inevitably when children no longer do things in exactly the way that their parents had taught them. They no longer wear the clothes their parents buy and they don´t go out with their parents as often.

Once a mother stated on TV that she had raised her daughter with a certain lifestyle and that she would not accept her marrying someone who could not provide her all the same comforts. The problem was that the daughter had already fallen in love with a boy of more modest means than hers and the mother refused to accept the relationship.
In other instances we see how parents decide their children´s studies, careers, occupations, without listening to their opinions.

Mary did not necessarily fully understand, but she respected and kept all these things in her heart. What she did understand well was that Jesus was the son of her womb, yet he did not belong to her, but to God.

For reflection
What are my children´s strengths? Do I know them, or do I try to impose my own dreams on my children? Do I ever tell them that I think their desires are crazy or impossible? Let us speak with Mary and present to her our dreams for our children. Ask her to help us to be sensitive to the dreams and inclinations of our children and to offer them to God knowing that our children do not finally belong to us.

Third mystery: Jesus leaves his home to carry out his ministry (Mark 3:31-35)

The Gospel does not tell us when exactly Jesus left home. But whenever it was, it must have been a painful moment for Mary, the same as for any mother when her children leaves home whether it is to attend the university, move to another country, go to the seminary, or start their own family.

Jesus goes to fulfill his mission. This does not mean that he rejects his family but that he realizes—as we all realize at some point in our lives—that it is time for him to leave home. Mary accepts this knowing well that it is the will of God.

For reflection
Do we know and accept our children´s vocation in life? Do we help them to find their own way, even if that separates them from us? Do we respect their decision to follow a vocation to the priesthood or the religious life? Do we allow our children enough freedom to follow their own way in life? Do we offer them, at the same time, our help, guidance, and advice? Let us speak to Mary and talk to her about the pain that separation from our children could cause us. Ask her to teach us to fulfill the will of God and to help our children do the same, following the call of God to them.

Fourth mystery: The Passion of Jesus. (John 19:25-27)

At a time of her most intense suffering in watching her son die in such a horrible manner, Mary receives the charge to take care of John, who will be her son from now on. In turn, John is charged with taking care of his mother, Mary.

From now on, Mary will need to be attentive to her son by being attentive to the needs and sufferings of all her children. As Christians, we are also asked to pay attention to the sufferings of Jesus, which are the sufferings of all people around us. And sometimes we are asked to do this even in the midst of our own suffering. We are asked to look around us and to make a commitment to lessen the pain of others. It is easy, and even justifiable, to shut ourselves from others when our own suffering is so great. But Mary is asked to turn her attention toward others. And we are asked to do the same.

For reflection
At what times of great suffering have I felt that I was asked to take care of other people? Did that help me move out of my own problem, to overcome it, or to experience it from a different perspective? Who is suffering near me? Who are the poor, the innocent, the most oppressed, discriminated against, or rejected among us? What actions could we start to accompany these people in their passion? Let us speak to Mary and talk to her about the passions we suffer in our lives. These could be great or small sufferings of daily life: at home, in our families, in our work, neighborhood, or community. Talk to her about what causes us most pain. Let us ask her to have an attentive heart so that, like her at the foot of the cross, we may accompany Jesus in all the sufferings of the world.

Fifth Mystery: The solitude of Mary (John 19:31-34)

Mary receives in her arms the broken remains of her son and in them is accumulated all the pain of all the mothers who go through suffering the death of their child. Many of these young people die because they join dangerous groups who offer them a sense of identity and community which their own families and parishes are often unable to provide. In our neighborhoods and communities there are women who suffer the horrible pain of seeing the death of their children, young people who had a whole future in front of them, due to the senseless violence of gangs. Mary understands the pain of all these women and accompanies them in their effort to change these situations.

For reflection
What are the problems that the young people in my neighborhood face? Is there any way to combat such problems? Does my parish or community foster or initiate any action to solve these problems? What do I believe is the best gift I can offer my children to prevent their joining gangs? Who could I accompany the women of my community who suffer for their children? Let us talk to Mary and accompany her in her sorrow for the death of her son. Speak to her also about some of the young people who have died in our communities during this year and of the women who have gone through that pain. Ask her for help, wisdom, and courage to accompany those mothers in a creative manner, doing as much as we can to prevent violence of all kinds in our own families and communities.

 

Easter Eggs:

In many countries there is a tradition of coloring and decorating eggs for Easter. The Easter eggs from Eastern Europe with their intricate designs featuring bids, flowers or geometric figures are famous. In Mexico, the cascarón or painted egg shell is popular. The empty shell in painted and filled with confetti. On Easter, people break the shells on the heads of friends and family members and say “Christ is resurrected!” as a shower of colorful confetti falls on them.

Many people may not remember the meaning of this humorous tradition. The shell represent the empty tomb of Christ, only filled with the color and joy of a new life, represented in the colorful confetti
At the San Antonio Cathedral in some of the Easter Vigil celebrations a large Shell is created by covering the back of the church in black drapery. At the moment in which “Glory” is said in the Mass, the drapery is opened and a multitude of children come out throwing flowers on the congregation. This is a precious symbol of the new life that comes from Christ. It is a “baptism” in flowers and color, which represents the Baptism where we emerge from the tomb of “the empty eggshell”, and are filled with new life.

Easter Vigil:

The Easter Vigil is the riches of all the liturgical celebrations of the Church. It celebrates the central mystery of our salvation as the People of God. It remembers the freedom from sin, death and the darkness that we receive from the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ. This is the moment where the Church receives it catechumens. The entire celebration is filled with symbolism, references from the Old Testament and alliances between God and his people.

For Hispanics it is often more important to celebrate Good Friday with the Way of the Cross, Condolences to the Virgin and the processions. It seems the people identify more with the experience of pain. But it is important to place emphasis on the Easter celebration without it, the mystery of redemption and salvation would be incomplete. As St. Paul wrote: If Christ had not resurrected, our faith is in vain. There would be no reason to hope.

Elements for the celebration:

• New fire, representing new life and the Spirit
• Light that breaks through the shadows of death and the tomb
• Water: the Baptism of salvation attained by Christ with his death
• The Paschal Candle with grains of incense: Christ yesterday, today and always
• The readings relating the entire story of salvation
• The canticle remembering the story of salvation
• The song of Gloria, heard for the first time since the beginning of the Lent season
• The litany of the saints, invoking those whom have preceded us as the close friends of God
• The renewal of our Baptismal promises with the affirmation of faith and discipleship of Christ.
• Receiving the catechumens into the Church.

 

 

March 2009

Way of the Cross

First Station

Jesus is condemned to death.

Have you ever felt you were being judged by your actions or that your parents or friends didn’t understand you? Did you give them a reason? Did you want to defend yourself? Did you feel resentment? Do you think that there are times when you have judged others harshly?

Jesus is innocent of all evil. He is judged precisely for doing good, yet he continued to forgive and remained faithful to his mission. He will not turn back.

Dear Lord, forgive me when I judge others without knowing their motivations. Give me the strength and generosity to forgive when I feel others are passing judgment over me.

Second Station

Jesus carries his cross.

There are times in our life than can seem very difficult. We would give anything to escape them, but sometimes we cannot. We have, therefore, an option: accept life, with those things that can be changes, live with strength and hope, working for the good of others or we can live with resentment and bitterness, which is in reality to live without.

Jesus told us that whoever loses his life for the kingdom, will win it.

Lord Jesus, teach me the have the strength to continue struggling, despite all the difficulties, for the good of others, so your life will triumph in everyone.

Third Station

Jesus falls for the first time.

We are not always as strong as we would like to be or even as much as we think we are. When we fall, we may feel our pride is destroyed by humiliation and shame. But we can also lift ourselves, recognize what made us fall, lean more on God than on our own strength, and continue forward.

Jesus said to the woman who had sinned: “Go and sin no more.”

Lord Jesus. There are times when I have fallen because I thought that I was the only one who could do good. I put trust in my own strengths. You invite me to lift myself up again and continue on my way. Thank you, Lord.

Fourth Station

Jesus meets his mother.

For a mother, the suffering of a child is greater than even her own pain. Our pains and difficulties cause our mothers greater sorrow than they do us. Jesus could not spare his mother from pain because he had to remain faithful to his mission. But, how many times are we able to spare our mother from sorrows or worries?

The gospel says that Simeon, the elder, told Mary that a sword would pierce her heart, but she continued forward.

Lord Jesus, teach us to accompany our mothers in their sufferings and difficulties, and to try and console them. But also make us faithful to our mission and your callings. 

Fifth Station.

The Cyrenean helps Jesus.

Friends are here to help each other.  The problems and difficulties are easier to manage when we have the support of a friend. But, how many are willing, like Simon the Cyrenean, to help a complete stranger? Are we able to recognize Jesus in the stranger?

Simon appears to be a man just passing by on the way back from work. He was forced to help Jesus carry the cross. Maybe in this almost involuntary task, he would find the blessing and love of Jesus.

Lord Jesus, thank you for the Cyreneans in my life that help me endure my difficulties and sorrows. Teach me to recognize you in those who are near me and are overwhelmed by the weight of their sorrows and difficulties in their life. Give me the grace to know how to help and do it with generosity and joy.

Sixth Station

Veronica wipes Jesus’ face.

Veronica alleviates somewhat the suffering of Jesus by wiping his face, which must have been dirty from mud, sweat and blood. What sufferings around us can we alleviate with the simplest of gestures? What would these gestures be?

Jesus said that whoever gave a glass of water even to the smallest and poorest, was giving it to him.

Lord Jesus, teach me to see you in the humblest and simplest of your children, so that when I do something for another, no matter how small, I can recognize you.

Seventh Station

Jesus falls for the second time.

It can be ok to fall once, but a second time? There are times when we trip over the same rock two or three times. What can we do? We can feel frustrated and abandon what we were doing. What seems more heroic: to abandon your journey or get up again and continue going forward? When do you seem to trip more often? What are your temptations?

Jesus said the woman had been forgiven a lot and that is why she loved a lot. How many times do we have to forgive, Jesus is asked by his friends… He responds seventy times seven, that is, countless times.

Lord Jesus, teach me the humility and patience to recognize when I am wrong and behave badly, and help me to start over again.

Eight Station

Jesus consoles the woman.

Sometimes the pain of others does not move us too much. Or we could even blame others for our own problems. However, sometimes we find a person that is facing a situation, which is worse than ours, who come to help and console us. How can you console someone who is close to you?

Lord Jesus, give me a sensible heart to see those who are suffering around me, to leave my suffering aside, and offer a helpful hand and attentive ear to the sorrow of others.

Ninth Station

Jesus falls for the third time.

Once again Jesus falls due to the weight of his cross. Are we able to continue on our way with indifference or do we help the person who has fallen—perhaps a friend or relative, to get back on their feet. Sometimes it seems that if they repeatedly need help, then they may deserve their problems. But, what about us? Do we expect time and time again to get another chance or a new opportunity?

Jesus came to strengthen the weak, pick up those who fall, and heal the sick. He said, those who are not sick do not need a doctor...

Lord Jesus, give me a compassionate and generous heart to forgive over and over again, knowing that I too am forgiven over and over again.

 

Tenth Station

Jesus is stripped.

Sometimes we wear masks. Perhaps there is something we don’t want anybody to learn about us. How do we face our own truth? Are we able to remove our own masks and be ourselves? There are times when we feel ashamed of the words and attitudes of others about us. How do we show respect for the dignity of others? Do we embarrass them laughing about or insulting them in some form?

Jesus told his friends that their word be truthful: that their yes be yes and their no, no. Jesus said that he was the Truth.

Lord Jesus, grant me the truth and light to recognize myself as I am and to recognize in others the image of God, so that I will always respect the dignity of others, as I desire mine to be respected.

Eleventh Station

Jesus is nailed to the cross.

It is really possible for someone to love me so much that they are willing to give up their life for me? Why? Is there something or someone that I would be willing to give my life for?

Jesus said: There is no greater love than the one that gives up his life for his friends. You are my friends.

Lord Jesus, grant me an attentive ear to your callings. May I respond with generosity, giving all that I have and am, since you, out of your love for me, gave up your own Body and Blood.

Twelfth Station

Jesus dies on the cross.

Jesus gives up to his last breath for us. He does not keep anything for himself. What do I try to keep for myself, reserve, not give up, even if I know it would be for the good of others?
Jesus praised the widow who gave up even what she needed and it was multiplied. Jesus emptied himself completely and did not take advantage of his divine condition. And God gave him the name above all name.

Lord Jesus, teach me and give the strength to follow you until the end, knowing and trusting that God will provide abundant life and that your life and love will triumph over all evil and death.

Thirteenth Station

Jesus taken down from the cross and placed in the arms of Mary.

Do I have the courage and generosity to help Mary carry so many of her children, our companions, who are in danger or are enslaved by drugs, gangs, and their erred ways. How can I place myself at the service of Christ so that his death has the value of redemption and liberation for all the young people.

Jesus told his friends he came to bring abundant life.

Lord Jesus, I know that although it doesn’t seem that way, the acts of service and sacrifice for others always bear the fruit of life, because they are supported by you. Help me to always see you in every act of service I do for others.

Fourteenth Station

Jesus is laid in the tomb.

Sometimes we have to bury old grudges, bad blood, and resentments. There are times when we must bury our old habits and vices, in this case, as when we were baptized, when we are buried with Christ—we bury our bad habits, addictions, and sins—we know we will resurrect to a new life with Christ. What do I wish to bury today?

Christ announced that the temple of his Body would be destroyed and God would resurrect him on the third day.

Lord Jesus, help to bury all that is death in me so that I may have a new life with you.

 

 

 February 2009

Ash Wednesday

A large number of people attend church on this day to receive the sign of penance, including those whose daily life does not include regularly attending Mass or other church events. Many pastoralists state, this act can reflect the religious reality of many: while they wish to be closer to God, their marriage situation, the lack of papers or even the lack of sacraments of initiation, makes them feel that they cannot receive the sacraments. Nonetheless, the ashes are free and do not require any previous condition. It is not an obligation and yet, it becomes very necessary. It reflects the desire to return to God, the need to connect with our religiosity, and in a symbolic and very profound way, the need to take root and connect with mother earth. It is a way to revisit our roots, to return to the fundamentals in life, and to feel connected with what is true in our lives. We come from the earth and we shall return to the earth.

Perhaps it is not totally conscious, but it does express what is in the deepest part of the human being: the desire for truth and authenticity in life; the desire to be accepted without conditions, and the need to be rooted in something that is permanent and real.