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"We should glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is our salvation, life and resurrection, through whom we are saved and delivered."
The words of the entrance antiphon for Holy Thursday call us to the heart of what we celebrate at during Holy Week, especially during the Easter Triduum. During these most holy days, we celebrate the Paschal Mystery: Christ's passage through death into eternal life. Christ's death and resurrection call to mind our own baptism where we, too, die and rise to new life through the waters of baptism.
I hope that the resources presented here help you and/or your students reflect upon the Paschal Mystery in the days to come as we celebrate Holy Week and Easter. 
PARISH AND HOME SUGGESTIONS The following suggestions, excerpted from Sourcebook for Sundays, Seasons, and Weekdays, can be used either in school or in the home. Holy Thursday: Families might consider making a tangible sign of the season such as homemade bread or hot cross buns. Sharing some of these with neighbours, a homebound parishioner, or residents of a shelter is a is a good way to connect with the sharing of a final meal as Jesus did with his disciples. This might also help us understand the love Jesus demonstrated for his disciples when he washed their feet and his invitation to do the same. Good Friday: The cross is a sign of Christ's sacrifice and visibly showing that symbol at home or school during Lent or Holy Week connects us to the Adoration of the Cross that we do together on Good Friday. An experience of the Stations of the Cross is a great way to connect us with our commitment to walk alongside Jesus as faithful followers. See suggestions below. Easter Vigil: Although the vigil may be potentially too long for children, the prominent symbols of light in darkness and the markings of the Paschal candle are something that households can replicate at home. By drawing the marking a white pillar with signs of their own journey and commitment to follow, a family brings the message of Christ home into their own domestic Church. Lighting it during meals throughout Easter Time demonstrates our willingness to be a light in the word. We remember our own baptismal promises to forsake the darkness of sing and bring the light of Christ into the world as we light our candles. 
STATIONS OF THE CROSS The Stations of the Cross (or Way of the Cross), an ancient devotion brought back from the Holy Land where pilgrims traced the footsteps of Christ, is a way of reflecting upon the Passion and death of Christ. There are numerous versions of the Stations of the Cross, so here are a few that are available online. You can pray these in a church setting or in a classroom with images of each of the stations projected onto a screen.
FOR REFLECTION
Here are two songs that you can be used for your own prayer time or to share with your students. These songs reflect the mysteries that we celebrate in the days of the Easter Triduum.
"The Servant Song" by Richard Gillard
This song speaks to our call to be disciples and servants of one another as we journey together to building the Kingdom of God. This is especially highlighted on Holy Thursday through the ritual of foot washing.
Will you let me be your servant, let me be as Christ to you? Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant, too.
We are pilgrims on a journey, we are travelers on the road; We are here to help each other walk the mile and bear the load.
I will hold the Christ-light for you in the nighttime of your fear; I will hold my hand out to you, speak the peace you long to hear.
I will weep when you are weeping; when you laugh I'll laugh with you. I will share your joy and sorrow till we've seen this journey through.
Will you let me be your servant, let me be as Christ to you? Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant, too.
"Jesus Lives" by Chrysogonus Waddell, OCSO
This is a powerful song that summons us to be a Resurrection people - to live in hope and promise of new life in Christ and to do so with confidence and courage as we proclaim the good news to others.
Jesus lives: thy terrors now can, O death, no more appall us; Jesus lives: by this we know, thou, O grave, cannot enthrall us, alleluia.
Jesus lives: henceforth is death but the gate to life immortal. This shall calm our trembling breath when we pass its gloomy portal, alleluia.
Jesus lives: our hearts know well naught from us his love shall sever; Life nor death, nor pow'rs of hell tear us from his keeping ever, alleluia.
Jesus lives: to Him the throne over all the world is given. May we go where He is gone, rest and reign with Him in heaven, alleluia.
May you have a joyous Easter season and may it be a time of spiritual transformation and renewal.
In communion,
Janet Loo Campus Minister/Director of Chamber Choir King's University College [email protected] |
