The beautiful and eloquent services of Passion Week help us to deepen our spiritual insight. Spiritual preparedness cannot be given or borrowed. It is through our participation in the liturgical worship services that we can most concretely demonstrate our love for Jesus and the redemptive acts that He now goes to perform in our behalf. You can pray for others and others can pray for you but you must prepare for yourself!

Holy Week starts  Saturday with the raising of Lazarus before Palm Sunday. On the fourth day after Lazarus’ death, Jesus went to the tomb. He delayed His trip to allow for the assured death of Lazarus, which underscored the magnitude of the miracle. He called out to Lazarus, “Lazarus, come forth!” and Lazarus came out of the tomb with his graveclothes. He will use them again.

Sunday Jesus comes to Jerusalem with a Triumphal Entry and is greeted by the crowds of people, “Hosanna in the Highest!” He comes riding a donkey which is a symbol of peace and not a horse as a political or military deliverer. He then went to the temple and boldly overturned the tables and cast out the tradesmen. From the first day of Holy Week, we must express our readiness and willingness to follow Jesus on this sacrificial way, showing our acceptance of sacrifice and self-denial as the only way to the Kingdom

On Great Monday, the church presents Christ to us as the “Bridegroom.” Jesus comes to redeem His bride – the Church . We are the church and Jesus comes to secure salvation for us – His bride and to bring us into the new life with Him in eternity.  Jesus will come at the end of the age and those who are ready will go with Him.  Are you preparing to be ready?

Today on Holy Tuesday, we are made aware that we are responsible for ourselves.   Matthew 25:1-13 tells us about the 5 wise maidens who refused to give oil to the 5 foolish ones who weren’t prepared.  This is not a missive showing lack of love but an example that emphasizes the fact that spiritual preparedness cannot be conveniently given or borrowed.  You are responsible for yourself! 

Wednesday’s lesson tells us about the woman who approached Jesus with a jar of precious perfumed ointment, and with complete faith, total humility, and absolute sincerity, she performed the noble service of anointing Him.  The services today compare a sinful woman who is saved and Judas a chosen apostle who is lost.  A result of a bad choice.  

Jesus has His last meal with His disciples on Holy Thursday. He shares with them His life, His Body and Blood, in Holy Communion saying “do this in remembrance of Me.”  The mission of Christ, and the very purpose for the creation of the world is so that God’s beloved creatures, made in His own divine image and likeness, could be blessed by God to be in holy communion with Him forever. “He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me.” (John 6:56)  Have confession and communion.

Great and Holy Friday reminds us how Jesus Christ was betrayed, judged, jeered at and crucified.  Jesus suffered greatly while on the cross. We are reminded of certain events that are part of Christ’s Passion:   the betrayal of Christ by Judas; the repentant thief; and the personal reactions of those who surrounded Christ at that time.  With sorrow and tears we remember His Passion.

Saturday morning Divine Liturgy tells us about the Resurrection of Christ. The vestments in the church are being changed from black to white, the darkness of death gives way to the radiance of Life. And we know that Christ has already conquered death and leaves His graveclothes behind. He has no need for them again. There are no services on Saturday afternoon. Quietly and peacefully we are getting ready this night to meet the Risen Lord and greet Him with the words: “Christ is risen!”  Be ready to join in this joyous celebration of Pascha!

Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered; let those who hate Him flee from before His face! 

Happy Birthday to all who are celebrating their birthday in April. David Baron, April 5; Milena Mejia, April 13; Valentina Szestawicka on April 16; Michael Chaykivsky on April 22, and Helen Margitich on April 23. May God grant them all Many Years!

Helen Baron sends thanks to all who continue to support our Food Pantry. The need for many of our neighbors exist throughout the year and your help is greatly appreciated.