Ask Deacon Mike

Today we begin Holy Week. This has always been a special time for me. The Church offers us so much spiritual nourishment during this time that it is sometimes overwhelming for me. I don’t mean just attending the liturgies themselves, but more specifically the graces which God gives us as we walk with Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, share His last Passover Supper with His Apostles and keep watch as He prays in anguish in the garden on Holy Thursday then suffers the insult, humiliation and scourging at His trial, walk with Jesus on that painful road to Calvary and witness His brutal execution on the cross on Good Friday. But most importantly, we witness His glorious resurrection on Easter. I have always tried to place myself in the midst of all of these scenes. In doing so I gain a greater appreciation every year of the love our merciful Father has for each of us.

However, as I look forward to Holy Week 2009 I want to share with you something that happened to me a few weeks ago. I had stopped into a church for Reconciliation. The little chapel was quiet. There were four or five men lined up along the wall waiting for their turn in the confessional. After a minute of prayer I joined them. As I stood there I thought about my sins and what I wanted to say to the priest. Finally my turn came. After making my confession the priest gave me absolution then handed me a card. It read: Personal integrity before God, without any disguises or pretensions, is the essence of desert spirituality.

The priest asked me if that made sense to me. I was so amazed at how much sense it did make to me. What really struck me was the notion of personal integrity before God. I became extremely aware that I cannot hide from God. Of course I have always known this but it seemed especially real right then. I cannot stand, sit, run or hide without God knowing my every move, my motives, my desires and my needs.

All of this helped me realize just how important Holy Week is to me. I am not called to walk behind Jesus or watch from a distance as He prays, suffers, dies and rises in glory. I am called to be one with Him. I must suffer and die so that I can share His glory in the resurrection. While none of this is new to me, I suddenly was blessed with a realization that was so intense that it seemed like everything made much more sense. All of the events of Holy Week are meant for me, and you, to fully stand before God with out any disguises or pretensions as we accompany Jesus and share His passion, death and resurrection.

It is my sincere hope that you will set aside as much time as you can to be with us as we observe, remember and celebrate Christ’s saving acts. On Holy Thursday we commemorate the Institution of the Eucharist and priesthood. Our Mass of the Lord’s Supper begins at 7:30 PM. It is followed by a Eucharistic procession from the church to the rectory chapel where we will keep vigil with Jesus until 11:00 PM. On Good Friday we will have our Passion Service which includes veneration of the cross and Holy Communion beginning at 7:30 PM. Then on Saturday evening at 8:00 PM we will celebrate the great Easter Vigil. This is absolutely the most beautiful liturgy of the year. Yes, it is long, but if you take the time to attend you will see just how grace-filled this celebration is. We begin with the lighting of the new fire – Christ, our Light illumines our world darkened by sin and death. Then as we read from sacred scripture we trace our roots as God’s chosen people and witness the love and mercy which God shows toward His sinful children. We celebrate Jesus’ resurrection by baptizing and confirming those who have been preparing for full participation in the Church. We celebrate the Eucharist with them as they make their First Holy Communion in our midst.

For years now I have set aside these three days so that I could be with all who desire to die and rise with our Lord during this Holy Week. I hope you will join us. It is my prayer that all of you will be blessed by the graces that come from uniting yourself with our Lord at this most holy season. God bless you and I love you all. Deacon Mike Franks.