The Bishop's Perspective: This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
During Lent, many of us have the tradition of giving things up — whether it’s chocolate or social media or abstaining from our favorite beverage. We intentionally join our sacrifices to the sacrifice of Christ and thereby participate in his work of redemption. As we rediscover every year, what we give up is far surpassed by what we receive. In his triumph over evil, Jesus has given us new life in Him, a life that will have no end.

Our Holy Week liturgies invite us into the depth of Christ’s humanity and call us to share in His redeeming work. On Palm Sunday, we see how quickly his triumphant entry into Jerusalem transitioned into his passion. At the Chrism Mass, we give thanks for the gift of the Priesthood and we bless the oils for the sacraments.

During the sacred liturgy of Holy Thursday, the “Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper,” we commemorate Jesus’ command to serve our neighbor and we celebrate his institution of the Eucharist.

Later that evening, we keep watch with him at the altar of repose, in imitation of those who kept watch in the Garden of Gethsemane.

I encourage you to visit the altar of repose* in multiple churches that evening, as is the custom in many dioceses.

In the very moving liturgy of Good Friday, we recall the Lord’s passion and venerate the Cross.

At the Easter Vigil, we celebrate the resurrection and welcome new members into the Church and we continue the celebration on Easter morning, in the hope and promise of eternal life.

I invite you to celebrate the entire 50-day Easter season culminating in the Solemnity of Pentecost. Like the Apostles, may we have the courage to accept Jesus’ Great Commission:
“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”— MATTHEW 28:19-20

May this Easter season transform all of us into more perfect reflections of Christ in the world.