Easter Tues.

April 22, 2014:  Easter Tuesday (Tuesday in the Octave of Easter)

Readings

• Acts 2:36-41  Peter / Jews:  “God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ.” / “What are we to do?” / “Repent and be baptized to receive forgiveness and the Holy Spirit.”  Those who accepted his message were baptized, about 3,000 that day.

• Ps 33:4-5, 18-20, 22  "The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord."  We wait for the Lord, our help and shield.  May your kindness be upon us who hope in you.

• Jn 20:11-18  Mary Magdalene, weeping, bent into the tomb and saw two angels:  “Why are you weeping?” / “They've taken my Lord....”  She turned and saw Jesus but didn't know it was Jesus. / “Woman, why are you weeping?” / “If you know, tell me where you laid him.” / “Mary!” / “Teacher!” / “Go tell my brothers, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”  Mary went, announced, “I have seen the Lord,” and reported what he told her.

Music

• Jesus Christ is risen today [origin/history/variants]
• Easter Song/ Herring:  Prestonwood "megachurch", original (2nd Chapter of Acts)
• Behold the glory of God/ O'Connor (his Lift up your hearts with Exsultet-based lyrics)
• Five Mystical Songs/ Vaughan Williams
• Chozen:  six13's a cappella Passover version of two Frozen songs, in honor of our Jewish friends concluding their Passover celebration [more info]

Reflections

• Creighton:  Jesus is not dead; it's not too late to repent and share in the Spirit.

• One Bread One Body:  Jesus called Mary, and calls us, by name.

• Passionist:  Listen for the Lord's call; you'll never be the same.

• DailyScripture.net:  Mary's "I have seen the Lord" is the essence of Christianity:  personal encounter.

• Moved to greater love to experience the risen Jesus giving energy to my life today:  Think of a time I was fully engaged in doing my apostolic work, and think of a joy I've recently experienced in my personal life. Jesus invites me to talk with him about these things. What do I say? How does he react? What perspective does he give me?

• Sacred Space

Apparel

• "Keyboard with dove" tie pin:  "you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (1st reading)

• "Eyeball" tie pin:  "the Lord's eyes are on those who fear and hope in him" (psalm); "I have seen the Lord" (gospel)

• Two angel pins:  Mary Magdalene saw two angels (gospel)

• "Star" tie pin:  Christ the Morning Star (Exsultet)

Despite these pix, this blog is more about "dressing" on the inside, but since clothes do matter, I share:  Dress for worship, or come as you are?

Pope Francis

• TV interview with Belgian youth (part 2):

What about the search for God?  When you search for yourself, you find God.  Maybe you don’t succeed, but you're on the path of honesty, searching for truth, goodness, and beauty, so you're on the right road and will certainly find God!  But the road's long, and some don't consciously find God during life, but they're honest with themselves and love beauty, so they can encounter God, which is a grace. 

What have you learned from your mistakes?  They're great teachers, and they humiliate me.  I haven’t learned from them all because I’m stubborn, but I have from many.  I need to recognize them and be care not to make them again.  For example, when I was a Jesuit Superior, I was too authoritarian; I learned I must listen and dialogue.  But it's a long road; I still need to learn that one. 

What frightens you?  Jesus repeats ‘Don’t be afraid!!’ many times because he knows fear is normal. We’re afraid of life, of challenges, before God.  Don't worry about being afraid; feel and ask why, and before God and yourself try to shed light on the situation or ask for help from someone. Fear gives bad advice.  There's bad fear and good fear:  good fear helps us not to fall, but reject bad fear because it  blocks you. 

Do you have a question for us?  Where's your treasure?  Where do you keep it?  Your life will be where your treasure is.  [Summary of part 1] 

Dress your life!

Easter Mon.

April 21, 2014:  Easter Monday (Monday in the Octave of Easter)

Readings

• Acts 2:14, 22-33  Peter:  “Children of Israel, God worked mighty deeds through Jesus.  You killed Jesus, but God raised him up.  David says, "I saw the Lord; I shall not be disturbed.  I hope, because you won't abandon me or allow me to see corruption.  You made the paths of life known to me."  David died, but he knew God would set one of his descendants on his throne; he foresaw the Christ's resurrection.  We see God raised Jesus; he poured forth the Holy Spirit.

• Ps 16:1-2a, 5, 7-11  "Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope."  I set the Lord before me.  My heart and soul rejoice.  You won't allow your faithful one to undergo corruption.

• Mt 28:8-15  Mary Magdalene and the other Mary left the tomb to tell his disciples.  Jesus told them on the way, “Don't be afraid.  Tell them to go see me in Galilee.”  Some of the guard told the chief priests what happened.  The chief priests paid them off, telling them to say the disciples stole Jesus.  They did, and the story still circulates.

Pope Francis

• Regina Coeli address:  The dominant feeling in the Gospel accounts of the Resurrection is joy and wonder; we relive it in the liturgy.  Let it be imprinted in our hearts and lives. Let Easter's joyous wonder radiate through our thoughts, looks, attitudes, gestures, and words.  Let it come from within us, from hearts immersed in the source of joy, so we become witnesses to the resurrection, bringing God's light to human situations, spreading happiness, helping those in pain, and bringing serenity and hope.  Think about Mary's joy; her pain pierced her, but she became a source of peace, comfort, hope, and mercy.  She's the Mother full of hope, the Mother of all the disciples and of the Church.

Reflections

• Creighton:  The “new” Peter speaks more confidently than the one in the upper room after the crucifixion.  Am I as courageous?  Jesus tells the women, and us, “Peace!  Don't fear!”  He'll meet us with open, loving arms. 

• One Bread One Body:  Satan bought the soldiers' lies about Jesus' resurrection, but some will witness for Christ at any cost.  May I be willing to give up everything.

Dance of Youth/ Picasso

• Moved to greater love Jesuit reflection:  Ask for grace to encounter, embrace, and be embraced by the risen Jesus.   Think of a time a loved one shared wonderful news with me.  What was it like to listen, ask questions, sit together, and celebrate?  Now the risen Jesus enters and shares his story with me; how do we share and celebrate?

• Universalis:  St. Anselm, bishop, one of Fr. Gerry McCool's (RIP) "5 medieval thinkers"

• Sacred Space

Music

• Glorious Day/ Bleecker, Hall, Chapman

• Variations on an Easter theme for two organs/ Rutter 

Apparel from Easter Vigil/Sunday readings

• "Chariot" tie pin:  Pharaoh's chariots

• "Stone" tie pin:  "...taking from your bodies your stony hearts"; "angel rolled away the stone"

• "Deer" tie pin:  "Like a deer that longs for running streams, my soul longs for you, my God."

• "Keyboard with dove" tie pin:  God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit

• "Sheep" tie bar:  God will provide sheep for the holocaust; Our lamb has been sacrificed; a Lamb redeems the sheep

• White shirt:  color of the day

Dress your life!

Easter

April 20, 2014:  Easter Sunday

Please check out my main Easter post, last night's, for Easter Vigil!

Readings

• Acts 10:34a, 37-43  Peter:  We saw what Jesus did.  They put him to death.  God raised him and let us see him.  He commissioned us to preach and testify God appointed him as judge.  All who believe in him will receive forgiveness of sins.

• Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23  "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad."  His mercy endures forever.  I shall live and declare the Lord's works.  The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.

• Col 3:1-4  If you were raised with Christ, seek what is above.  Your life is hidden with Christ.  When Christ appears, you will appear with him in glory.

• 1 Cor 5:6b-8  Clear out the old yeast.  so you may become fresh dough.  Christ has been sacrificed.  Let us celebrate the feast, not with the old yeast of malice and wickedness but the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

• Jn 20:1-9  Mary of Magdala saw the stone removed, ran to Peter and the disciple Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord, and we don’t know where they put him.”  The other disciple arrived first; he saw the cloths but didn't go in.  Peter arrived and went in; then the other one entered and believed.

Pope Francis

• Urbi et Orbi message:  Happy and Holy Easter!  Jesus, who was crucified, is risen!  It's Good News, the basis of our faith and hope.  Jesus, Love incarnate, died for our sins, but the Father raised him and made him Lord.  Love has triumphed over hatred, mercy over sinfulness, good over evil, truth over falsehood, life over death.

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
(della Francesca)

So we say, “Come and see!”  The Good News is a testimony to unconditional and faithful love; it's about encountering others, being close to those crushed by life’s troubles, sharing with the needy, standing at the side of the sick, elderly and the outcast…  Love is powerful, gives life, and makes hope blossom.

Lord, you who have conquered death, help us to seek, find, love, and adore you.  Help us to overcome hunger and wastefulness.  Enable us to protect the vulnerable.  Comfort all who can't celebrate Easter with loved ones because they've been unjustly torn from them.  Comfort immigrants.  End all war and conflict, and grant life and peace to everyone!

Reflections

Happy Easter from St. Bede
cantors / animators Lori and Jamie

• Moved to greater love to experience the risen Jesus bringing joy and peace.  I sit in the empty tomb and reminisce with Peter and John about Jesus.  What do we say?  How do I feel?  Joy compels us to share the good news.

• Sacred Space

Music

• Hallelujah chorus, from Messiah/ Handel: flash mob, soulful
• Victimæ Paschali Laudes (sequence)
• This is the day/ Joncas (psalm)
• Please send me your Easter favorites so I can use them during the season!

Apparel

• "Keyboard with dove" tie pin:  God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and power (1st reading)

• Sheep tie bar:  Our lamb has been sacrificed (2nd reading); a Lamb redeems the sheep (sequence)

• "Stone" tie pin:  stone the builders rejected (psalm); stone was removed from the tomb (gospel)

• White shirt:  color of robes, color of the day

Dress your life!

Easter Vigil

April 19, 2014:  Holy Saturday/Easter Vigil

Readings

• Gn 1:1-2:2  Earth was formless.  God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.  He separated light from darkness, created sky, earth, sea, plants, trees, sun, moon, stars, sea creatures, birds, cattle, creeping things, and wild animals.  God made human beings in the divine image, gave them dominion, looked at everything, found it very good, and rested.
• Ps 104:1-2, 5-6, 10, 12, 13-14, 24, 35  "Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth."  Bless the Lord; in wisdom you created and sustain everything.
• Ps 33:4-7, 12-13, 20, 22  "The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord."  The Lord's works are trustworthy.  Blessed those God has chosen.  We wait for the Lord, our help.

• Gn 22:1-18  God put Abraham to the test:  “Offer your only son as a holocaust.”  He went out and prepared for the sacrifice, but an angel told him to stop; he found and offered a ram.  “Because you obeyed, I'll bless you with land and descendents.”
• Ps 16:5, 8-11  "You are my inheritance, O Lord."  I rejoice because you show me the path to life and joy and won't abandon me.

• Ex 14:15-15:1  Lord to Moses, “Go with the Israelites, split the sea, and pass on the dry land.  The Egyptians will pursue you, but through them I'll receive glory.”  God led them with a cloud, they crossed.  Egyptians pursued them, but their wheels clogged, water flowed back, and they drowned.  The Israelites saw, believed, and sang.
• Ex 15:1-6, 17-18  "Let us sing to the Lord; he has covered himself in glory."  I praise the Lord, my God, savior, strength, courage; he redeemed us and hurled Pharaoh's army into the sea.  Your powerful right hand shattered the enemy.

• Is 54:5-14  The Lord, your redeemer, the Holy One, calls you back.  I abandoned you briefly but now take you back tenderly.  My love shall never leave you.
• Ps 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11-13  "I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me."  For his anger lasts but a moment; a lifetime, his good will.

• Is 55:1-11  Come to the water!  Eat and drink!  Heed me, and you shall eat well; listen and live.  I'll renew the covenant with you.  Seek and call the Lord; God generously forgives.  My thoughts and ways are higher than yours.  My word won't return to me till it does my will.
• Is 12:2-6  "You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation."  The Lord has been my savior.  Praise the Lord for his glorious achievement; proclaim his deeds and name.

• Bar 3:9-15, 32-4:4  You've forsaken the fountain of wisdom!  Prudence, strength, understanding, life, peace, and wisdom are in God.  Receive Wisdom and walk by her light.
• Ps 19:8-11  "Lord, you have the words of everlasting life."

• Ez 36:16-17a, 18-28  I scattered the House of Israel because of their idolatry, but I've relented.  I'll gather you and bring you back, cleanse you, give you a new heart and spirit, and make you live by my statutes and be my people.
• Ps 42:3, 5; 43:3, 4  "Like a deer that longs for running streams, my soul longs for you, my God."  Send your light to lead me to you, and I'll go to God's altar and thank you.

• Is 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6  "You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation."  God is my savior, strength, and courage; sing praise!
• Ps 51:12-15, 18-19  "Create a clean heart in me, O God."  Give me back the joy of your salvation, and I'll teach your ways.  You'll accept my sacrifice, a contrite spirit.

• Rom 6:3-11  We were baptized into Christ's death, buried with him so we might live a new life, united with him in the resurrection.  Our old self was crucified with him, that we might no longer be slaves of sin; we'll live with him.  Death has no power over the risen Christ.  Think of yourselves as dead to sin and living in Christ for God.



The Descent into 'Hell'/ Tintoretto

• Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23  "Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia."  Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his mercy endures forever.  I'll live and declare God's works.  The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.

• Mt 28:1-10  Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to the tomb.  An angel rolled back the stone, and told them, “Fear not!  Look:  Jesus has been raised from the dead; go tell his disciples.  They went and announced it.  Jesus met them on the way:  “Fear not; tell my brothers to go to Galilee and see me.”

Pope Francis

• Homily:  Jesus’ call to “return to Galilee” is a call to re-read everything in the life of Christ on the basis of the cross and its victory, from this supreme act of love.  It's also a call to rediscover your baptism, drawing new energy from faith and experience.  Return to the blazing light with which God’s grace touched me.  “Returning to Galilee” also means renewing a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, reviving the memory of that moment when our eyes met, the moment when he made me realize he loved me.

• See yesterday's post for Via Crucis and Good Friday homily; watch here for Easter Vigil when available.

Reflections

• Creighton:  Tonight we bless baptismal water, welcome new believers who will die, rise, and live with Christ, taking up his mission of love and service.  Enjoy the celebration of life!

• One Bread One Body:  Jesus' burial shows he really died.  "Through baptism... we were buried with him, so, as Christ was raised, we might live a new life" (Rm 6:4). "In baptism you were buried and raised with him because you believed in God's power" (Col 2:12).  Identify with the buried Jesus.

• Passionist:  Jesus' crucifixion shattered the hopes and dreams of his followers.  Today's vigil begins in silence and darkness with a bare altar.

• DailyScripture.net:   Where's my hope:  in this life or God's promise of everlasting life?

• Moved to greater love of Jesus suffering and dead, to experience new life in his resurrection:  Imagine Mary, John, Peter, Mary Magdalene, Mark, Joseph of Arimathea, and the disciples the day after Jesus was crucified.  What were they thinking and saying?  How have I experienced the grace of vision this Lent?  How am I called to surrender to and serve Christ the Lord?

• Sacred Space

Apparel

• Blue in suspenders:  water, God-created, of Red Sea, of baptism...
• "Plants" pin:  God made the plants (I can represent trees, birds, cattle, wild animals, and people too but drew the line.)
• "Fish with cross" pin:  God made fish; Jesus is risen
• "Star" tie pin:  God made the stars; Christ the Morning Star
• "Sheep" tie bar: Abraham: "God will provide sheep for the holocaust"
• "Chariot" tie pin:  Pharaoh's chariots
• "Horse" tie pin:  "Horse and rider he cast into the sea"
• "Telephone" tie bar:  "Seek the Lord while he may be found; the Lord 'calls' you back; 'call' him while he is near"
• "Owl" tie pin:  "the decree of the Lord is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple."
• "Eyeball" tie pin:  "the command of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eye. "
• "Hearts" suspenders:  "Create a clean heart in me"; "I will give you a new heart..."; "My sacrifice is a contrite heart"
• "Stone" tie pin:  "...taking from your bodies your stony hearts"; "angel rolled away the stone"
• "Deer" tie pin:  "Like a deer that longs for running streams, my soul longs for you, my God."
• White shirt:  "his clothing was white as snow"; color of the day

Music

• Exsultet Easter Proclamation chant
• More Easter Vigil Mass chants including fire blessing, candle prep, procession, litany of the Saints, blessing of water and acclamation, and florid dismissal
• Come to the water/ Foley
• For You are my God/ Foley
• Sicut cervus/ Palestrina
• Seek the Lord/ O'Connor
• Though the mountains may fall/ Schutte
• Isaiah 55:6-9:  Seek the Lord while he may be found/ Mui (leadsheet)
• Ezekiel 36:24-28:  A new heart, a new spirit/ Mui

Dress your life!

Good Fri.

April 18, 2014:  Good Friday

Readings

• Is 52:13-53:12  My servant shall be exalted.  There was no appearance to attract us to him, so marred was his look.  He was spurned and avoided, a man of suffering, but he bore our infirmities and sufferings.  By his stripes we were healed.  We had gone astray, but the Lord laid our guilt upon him.  He submitted like a lamb led to slaughter.  He was taken away, cut off from the land of the living, buried with evildoers though he had done no wrong.  God's will shall be accomplished through him.  He shall take away the sins of many and win pardon for their offenses.

• Ps 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17, 25   "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit."  I'm a laughingstock, forgotten, broken; people flee from me.  But I trust you, Lord; rescue me from my enemies.  You will redeem me.

• Heb 4:14-16; 5:7-9  Our great high priest, Jesus, Son of God, can sympathize with our weaknesses; he was tested in every way.  Approach the throne; receive mercy, grace, and help.  Jesus offered prayers to the one who could save him and was heard.  He learned obedience from suffering, then became the source of salvation.

• Jn 18:1-19:42  Passion according to John:

Jesus went with his disciples to a garden; Judas went there with soldiers.  They seized Jesus and brought him to Annas.  Peter followed and was brought in.  The gatekeeper said,  “Are you one of his disciples?”; he denied it.  Annas questioned Jesus, then sent him to Caiaphas.  Slaves and guards around a fire asked Peter, “Are you one of his disciples?” and he said no.  One challenged him, and he denied it again; then a cock crowed.

They brought Jesus to the praetorium.  Pilate:  “What's the charge?” / “He's a criminal.” / “Judge him yourselves.” / “We can't execute anyone.”  Pilate / Jesus:  “Are you the King of the Jews?”... / “My kingdom doesn't belong to this world.”...  Pilate / Jews:  “I find no guilt.  Do you want me to release him to you?” / “No; Barabbas!”  Jesus was scourged, given a crown of thorns and purple cloak, mocked, and stricken.  “Look; I find no guilt in him....  Behold!” / “Crucify him!” / “I find no guilt.” / “He ought to die because he made himself the Son of God.”  Pilate, afraid to Jesus:  “I can release or crucify you.” / “You'd have no power if God hadn't given it to you...”  He tried to release him; but the Jews cried out, “If you do, you're no Friend of Caesar.” / “Crucify him!  We have no king but Caesar.”

They had Jesus carry the cross to Golgotha, where they crucified him between two others, with inscription “Jesus..., King of the Jews.”  Soldiers cast lots for his tunic and divided his other clothes.  His mother, aunt Mary, and Mary of Magdala were there.  Jesus told Mary and beloved disciple:  “Behold, your son.  Behold, your mother.”  He said, “I thirst,” sipped from the sponge of wine, said “It is finished,” bowed his head, and handed over his spirit.
The Jews asked Pilate that his legs be broken and he be taken down, but they saw he was already dead.  A soldier thrust a lance into him, and blood and water flowed out.
Pilate allowed Joseph of Arimathea, secret disciple, to remove Jesus' body; he took it.  They bound it with cloths and spices Nicodemus brought, then laid him in a new tomb in the garden.

Pope Francis

• Way of the Cross (Via Crucis):  God placed the weight of our sinsmdash;injustice, bitterness, tyranny, arrogancemdash;on the Cross of Jesus, heavy because it carried the ugliness of evil.  Many, like Jesus, are nailed to a bed of pain, at hospitals, nursing homes, in families, lonely, despairing.  We're capable of monstrosities when we let evil guide us, but the Cross is glorious because it represents God's love, greater than our iniquity.  Before the Cross we can almost touch how much we're loved; we feel like children, not objects.  Jesus can lead us from the Cross to the Resurrection and teach us that mercy and forgiveness, not evil, has the last word.  Pray that the sick and abandoned find in the Cross the strength of Hope of the Resurrection and Love of God. More coverage

• Homily by papal preacher Fr. Cantalamessa:  Judas Iscariot was chosen to be an apostle; he wasn't born a traitor but became one.  He handed Jesus over for money, the deceitful "visible god"/anti-God that inverts values and is behind society's evils.  The betrayal of Judas continues, and the one betrayed is still Jesus.  Judas sold the head; we sell the body:  “As you did it to one of the least, you did it to me” (Mt 25:40).  “Let me think about the Judas within me; he may also be in you.”  Betrayal of spouse, vow, or conscience is betrayal of Christ.  Bach’s St. Matthew Passion includes a chorale that begins “It is I; I am the traitor!  I need to make amends.” 

Jesus never abandoned Judas, and no one knows whether Judas ended in Satan's hands or God's; we declare Saints in heaven but never know who's in hell.  What happened in his soul at the end?  Jesus' response is more important than Judas' betrayal; he waited, called him "friend", and prayed, “Father, forgive them...”  Will we follow Peter who had confidence in Christ's mercy, or Judas who doubted it?  Surrender to the Crucified One who freely forgives.

• Mass of the Lord's Supper homily:  see yesterday's updated post (it wasn't available before)

Reflections

Jesus the Homeless, crucified/ Schmalz
(Thanks, Dr. Keens)

• Creighton:  Jesus is stripped of dignity and purpose, abandoned, and mocked, before doing what he came for.  But he stays faithful through the abuse, shame, and denial.  Christ offers us his life, wisdom to continue our journeys, and communion with us; let's serve him.

• One Bread One Body:  Are we any better than the soldiers who mocked and slapped Jesus?  Are we afraid like Pilate?  God wants us all to be saved and know the truth.

• Passionist:  Jesus died as he lived, with faith, respect for others, and kindness.  Meditate on "From that hour the disciple took [Mary] into his home"; make a home for someone grieving or otherwise suffering:  stand with them by calling, being present, listening, loving...

• DailyScripture.net:  "We too gaze on his wounds and see his blood, touch his scars.  His heart is open in love to you, his arms extended to embrace you, his body displayed for your redemption.  As every part of his body was fixed to the cross, so he may now be fixed in every part of your soul." (St. Augustine)

"Many are the wondrous happenings of that time, but none compares with the miracle of my salvation.  A few drops of blood renew the world and bind us together."  (St. Gregory Nazianzen)

"The cross of Christ is heaven's door, the devil's downfall, our uplifting, consolation, and prize our freedom." (Rupert of Deutz)

• Moved to greater love for Jesus in his Passion:  Compel us to discard our pettiness and venture into the oceans of charity towards others. (The Divine Milieu/ Teilhard)  +Christ Comes through the Ruins/ Merton 

• Sacred Space

Music

• The Reproaches/Improperia:  Popule meus/ Victoria, chant (Chanticleer), Kennerly 2013
• From Part 2 of Messiah/ Handel (1st reading):
• He was despisèd
• Surely he has borne our griefs, And with his stripes we are healed, All we like sheep (another All we like sheep)
• All they that see him laugh him to scorn, He trusted in God  (another)
• He was cut off from the land of the living
• Tenebrae factae sunt:  Victoria, other settings
• Into your hands/ Hopkins (psalm)
• By the rivers of Babylon/ Palmer (publisher page with audio preview)
• Father, I put my life in your hands/ Talbot (psalm)
• St. John Passion/ Bach:  complete, part 1, part 2 (gospel)
• O Sacred Head, Surrounded
• Jesus, remember me/ Berthier
• Crucifixus, from Mass in B minor/ Bach
• Jesus Christ Superstar/ Lloyd Webber, Rice (or find Peter's Denial, Pilate and Christ, Trial before Pilate, and Crucifixion)
• Finale, from Godspell/ Schwartz
• Behold the wood/ Schutte
• Were you there

Apparel

• "Pierced hearts" suspenders:  he was pierced for our offenses (1st reading); Jesus' love to the end
• Red striped shirt:  "by his stripes we were healed" (1st reading); color of day
• "Sheep" tie bar:  "We had all gone astray like sheep" (1st reading)

• "Kneeling person" tie bar:  "Jesus offered prayers with cries and tears" (2nd reading)

• "Rooster" pin:  the cock crowed after Peter's denials (gospel)
• "Stone" tie pin:  "Pilate seated Jesus at the place called Stone Pavement, Gabbatha." 
• Tie with crowns:  "Jesus the Nazorean, King of the Jews" (inscription from gospel)
• "Playing card" tie bar:  They cast lots for his clothes (gospel)
• "Question mark" tie pin:  questions to Peter, Jews, and Jesus from soldiers, gatekeeper, slaves/guards, Annas, Caiaphas, and Pilate (gospel)

• Brown blazer and sandals (not shown; trust me):  wood of the cross
• Crucifix

Dress your life!

Holy Thurs.

April 17, 2014:  Holy Thursday

Readings

Chrism Mass

• Is 61:1-3a, 6a, 8b-9  The Spirit of the Lord is upon me.  God has anointed and sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly, heal the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to captives and release to prisoners, announce favor and vindication, comfort mourners.  I'll make a covenant with them.  You'll be named priests/ministers, blessed, and rewarded.

Chrism Mass readings

• Ps 89:21-22, 25, 27  "For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord."  I have anointed David, my servant and will exalt him.  My faithfulness and mercy shall be with him.

• Rv 1:5-8  Jesus Christ is the faithful witness, firstborn of the dead, and ruler of all.  He loves us, freed us from sin, made us into a kingdom of priests....

• Lk 4:16-21  Jesus went into the synagogue, read the scroll "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me...", and said “Today this passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”

Mass of the Lord's Supper 

• Ex 12:1-8, 11-14  Lord to Moses and Aaron:  “Tell the community:  On the 10th of this month, procure a year-old lamb, keep it till the 14th, slaughter it at twilight, apply its blood to your doorposts, roast and eat it, with unleavened bread, like those in flight.  It is the Passover of the Lord, when I will go through Egypt, striking down every firstborn and judging Egypt's gods.  When I see the blood, I will pass over you.

Mass of the Lord's Supper readings

• Ps 116:12-13, 15-16bc, 17-18  "Our blessing-cup is a communion with the Blood of Christ."  In return for the good God has done, I'll take up the cup of salvation and call upon him.  Precious in the Lord's eyes is the death of his faithful.  I am your servant; you have freed me.

• 1 Cor 11:23-26  Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, gave thanks, broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you.  Do this in remembrance of me.”  Then he took the cup:  “This is the new covenant in my blood.  Do this in remembrance of me.”  Whenever you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

As Jesus Commanded
Fr. Bob Gilroy, SJ

• Jn 13:1-15  Jesus loved his own to the end.  He rose from supper, poured water, and washed and dried the disciples’ feet.  Peter / Jesus:  “Are you going to wash mine?” / “You don't  understand now but will later.” / “Never!” / “Unless I do, you'll have no inheritance with me.” / “Then my feet, hands and head too.”...  He said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you?  If I, master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s.  As I have done for you, you should do.”

Pope Francis

• Anointed to anoint others, to priests at Chrism Mass:  The Lord anointed us and invites us to accept and appreciate the joy of being a priest.  It's a treasure, not only for us but for the faithful from which we're called and are sent to anoint.  Priestly joy comes from the Father’s love; consider Mary, Mother of the living Gospel, wellspring of joy.  The priest is little compared with the grandeur of God's gift, poor unless enriched by Jesus' poverty, useless unless Jesus calls us his friends, ignorant unless taught by Jesus, frail unless strengthened by the Good Shepherd.  Pray as Mary:  [I'm a priest because] you've regarded my littleness. We find our joy in our littleness!  Priestly joy anoints (not “greases”) us, is imperishable (even if clogged), and is missionary (spreading and attracting, starting with those farthest away).  It's guarded by the flock, poverty, fidelity, and obedience.  It's the joy of being taken from those we love and sent back to give Jesus' gifts and counsels.

Lord, enable many to discover the zeal of responding to your call.  Preserve the joy of the recently ordained, the joy of sharing the Gospel and feeling the faithful's anointing.  Confirm the joy, depth, and wisdom of those who have ministered for years; make their joy, the joy of the Cross, known.  May they find happiness and experience a taste of eternity.

• Mass of the Lord's Supper homily:  Slaves washed feet before meals because streets were made of dirt.  At the Last Supper Jesus washed feet as a farewell gesture, a symbolic act; God made himself a servant, our servant.  You also must love each other and be servants in Love.  Let's think of others with love and consider how we can serve them better.  [More Mass coverage]

Music

• Ubi caritas settings:
• Lauridsen (another performance)
• Gjeilo
• Berthier/Taizé
• Duruflé
• Stephens
• Alonso
• Solemnes chant (Solesmes)
• RM3-compliant texts with sheet music (Roman Missal 3rd edition:  about, complete)

• Don't miss these:
• A new commandment/ Ward (gospel); see Aug. 22 for more about composer
• Pange lingua gloriosi (ending with Tantum Ergo) (text and translation) (fits My Darling Clementine but don't try it :-)
• Tantum ergo sacramentum (by itself):  Webbe tune, Picardy tune, Duruflé
• In remembrance of me/ Courtney, Red (2nd reading, gospel)
• Stay with me/ Berthier (Taizé)
• Psalm 89/ Barrie (psalm) [requires safe/free plug-in to hear/see] (psalm)
• Servant song/ Gillard, composer-sung (gospel)
• Rev 1:5-8:  Behold, he is coming with clouds/ Mui (2nd reading)

• Our blessing cup settings (psalm):
• Our blessing cup (1979) and Our blessing cup (1995)/ Joncas
• Our blessing cup/ Kendzia
• Our blessing cup (Psalm 116) / Hart
• Our blessing cup/ Callanan
• See Jan. 13 for more settings and sample sheet music

• The most beloved Holy Week hymns:  survey results, playlist, songsheet from Prayer Meeting Podcast

Reflections

• One Bread One Body:  Christ washed the feet of his disciples and continues to do so.  Out of love, he emptied and humbled himself, even to death.

• Passionist:  Our participation in the Last Supper at Mass strengthens our relationship with God and with our brothers and sisters in Christ and calls us to share what we receive and to love and serve one another, as Jesus modeled.  Jesus also showed his disciples how to be served; be open to accepting the help God sends through others.

• DailyScripture.net:  Saint Augustine:  Jesus destroyed death; his death frees us from death.  He gave himself to us as vine to branches; apart from him we have no life.  He brought us forgiveness as no martyr could.  Let us love one another as Christ also loved us.

• Moved to greater love Jesuit reflection on union with Jesus in his Passion:  Be present at the Last Supper; hear the conversation, and feel the sadness and confusion.  Jesus washed his disciples' feet; watch him pour out his love, and see how Peter refused.  What do I need to surrender to God so that he can wash and purify me?  How am I moved to love those around me by Christ's love?  Whom am I called to wash through an act of love, forgiveness or reconciliation?  +Essential Writings/ Arrupe

• As I have done for you, gospel's eponymous pastoral letter, by Cardinal Mahony

• Sacred Space

Apparel

• "Pierced hearts" suspenders:  God sent me to heal the brokenhearted (1st reading); He loved his own to the end (gospel)

• "Lamb" tie bar:  passover lamb (1st reading)

• Sandals (below):  eat passover lamb with sandals on your feet... (1st reading)
• "Airplane" tie pin: ...like those who are in 'flight' (1st reading)

• "Eyeball" tie pin:  "Precious in the Lord's eyes..." (psalm); "every eye will see him" (2nd reading); "the eyes of all... looked intently at him" (gospel)

• "Wheat" pin:  Jesus took bread... (2nd reading)

• Tie with feet:  Jesus washed disciples' feet (gospel)

• White shirt:  color of day

Dress your life!

Spy Wed.

April 16, 2014:  Wednesday of Holy Week (“Spy Wednesday”)

Readings

• Is 50:4-9a  I gave my back to those who beat me; I didn't shield my face from buffets and spitting.  God my help upholds me; I won't be put to shame.

• Ps 69:8-10, 21-22, 31, 33-34  "Lord, in your great love, answer me."  I bear insult.  I've become an outcast because zeal for you consumes me.  Insult has broken my heart, I'm weak, and nobody consoled me.  I'll sing praise to God who hears the poor.

• Mt 26:14-25  Judas Iscariot looked for an opportunity to hand Jesus over.  The disciples asked Jesus where to prepare the Passover supper, then did as he ordered.  Jesus / disciples:  “One of you will betray me.” / “Not I!?” / “The one who dipped his hand into the dish with me....  Woe to him.”  Judas:  “Not I!?"...

Pope Francis

• Audience:  Judas’ betrayal set in motion the events of Christ’s Passion, Death and Resurrection.  Out of love for us, Jesus freely walked the path of humiliation and self-abandonment for our salvation; “he emptied himself… and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross” (Ph 2:7-8).  As we contemplate Jesus in his passion, we see the sufferings of all humanity and discover God’s answer to the mystery of evil, suffering, and death.  Jesus dies humiliated, betrayed, abandoned, and reviled—yet God’s victory shines in what appears to be failure and defeat.  Jesus’ passion reveals the Father’s love and summons to faith.  To set us free, Christ takes upon himself the power of evil.  May we imitate his loving obedience to the Father and open our hearts to his gifts of reconciliation, redemption, and new life.

Reflections

• Creighton:  Jesus knew Judas was to betray him but still washed his feet.  I'm called to love each person, even ones who hurt or betray me.   When we turn away from God, we can choose despair and death (Judas) or repentance and life (Peter).  Do I love/serve the Judases in my life?  Can I return to God and accept his love?

• Passionist:  Develop zeal for God's merciful love to experience his life-giving presence.  Accept daily suffering with dignity, humility, and surrender to God's will to experience God's redemptive grace.   Submit yourself to the Cross to attain the resurrection.

The Last Supper/ Da Vinci

• DailyScripture.net:   Judas took money for handing over the Word of God; those who accept goods in exchange for casting out from their souls the Savior do the same.  Sinners call out to the enemy, What will you give me if I hand him over?  (Origen, Commentary on Matthew 78.)  Father, strengthen us to be valiant in this spiritual war; help us against our negligence and cowardice, and defend us from the treachery of our hearts.  (Thomas à Kempis)

• USCCB reflection on 3rd song of Suffering Servant (1st reading)

• Moved to greater love Jesuit reflection on union with Jesus in his Passion:  Jesus is betrayed by Judas, Peter, and the disciples who abandon him in the garden, but Jesus endures the abandonment and isolation for our sake.  How have I experienced hurts and abandonment that need healing and reconciliation?  How have I been less than faithful in following the Lord to the cross?  +"Encouraging the dynamism initiated by GC34," from Collaboration at the Heart of Mission (SJ GC 35, Decree 6), "God all in all", from He Leadeth Me (Ciszek) 

• Universalis:  St. Bernadette Soubirous, religious, example of suffering and humility, Lourdes visionary, patroness of the sick

• Sacred Space

Music

• He was despisèd, from Messiah/ Handel, for "He gave his back" middle section (1st reading)

• Damned for all time/Blood money, from Jesus Christ Superstar/ Lloyd Webber, Rice
• By my side, from Godspell/ Schwartz

[Sorry; nothing from the metal band Judas Iscariot]

Apparel

• "Coin" button:  the chief priests paid Judas 30 silver pieces to hand Jesus over (gospel)

• "Hands" tie:  Judas dipped his hand into the dish and will  'hand' Jesus over (gospel)

• "People" tie pin:  disciples around Jesus at the Last Supper (gospel)

• "Wooden" suspenders:  wood of the cross

• Purple shirt:  Lenten season

Dress your life!