Palm Sunday “All glory, laud and honour, to thee Redeemer King, to whom the lips of children, made sweet hosannas ring.” These words and signs brought us all together as we processed along the road to St Mary and St Michael’s church. Our Holy Week has started.
“All three days are important, we should celebrate all three days of the Easter Triduum”. A reminder from Fr Keith Stoakes at the Palm Sunday Mass. As Jesus entered Jerusalem to the cheers of the crowds, riding on a humble donkey, let us now journey with him to the upper room with the disciples, to Calvary and to the empty tomb.
Chrism Mass Today Cardinal Nichols asked us all to make sure we have our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus, the anointed one this Holy Week. He reminded us that life is a gift from God and that through Jesus the ‘Alpha and the Omega’ we will find fulfilment in God. We are truly blessed in this Diocese with eight priests, and a Bishop, who know sign language and can minister directly to the Deaf Community. We pray for all of the clergy in the Diocese and give thanks especially for those who support the Deaf Community and make sure they too are able to keep their eyes firmly fixed on Jesus as we continue through Holy Week.
Wednesday, for us, is a day to prepare for the Easter Triduum, a time for practical arrangements and moments of private prayer. Today is the Feast day of St Bernadette Soubirous the patron saint for those who are sick. This Holy Week, as we look forward to joining together for the Easter Triduum, let us also remember all those who ill or isolated and cannot attend Mass this week. St Bernadette pray for them and for us all.
Maundy Thursday We return again to the beautiful chapel of the Assumption Sisters at Kensington Square to share our Easter Triduum with them.
“I have given you an example so that you may copy what I have done to you.” Fr Vlad reminded us of these words of Jesus to his disciples. In his homily he went on to explain, through washing of his disciples feet, Jesus showed them, and us, that we can see God not as a King to be worshipped, but as a servant to be loved. We are also called to emulate him in our service to others.
Whatever our age or abilities we can each find a way of serving others in our community, whether that be our families or friends. We each have something unique to offer.
“Will you let me your servant let me be as Christ to you, pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant too.”
Good Friday “Jesus remember me as you come into your Kingdom” our words both sung and signed while we venerated the cross.
The reading of the Passion story is always a powerful moment in Holy Week, the moment we really enter into the journey that Christ made to Calvary for us.
Fr Vlad asked us today to reflect on the Lord’s prayer. “In the Lord’s Prayer Jesus taught his apostles, the third petition is ‘ may your will be done’. On Good Friday, Jesus was going to do just that. He would drink the cup – take on board the whole agony – as that was what His Father asked him to do.
Throughout his passion, Jesus showed how awesome was his courage, patience, generosity and moral strength. It made him – for me at least – immensely admirable and lovable.”
Easter Vigil On a windy evening, always interesting when there is the Easter fire, we gathered to welcome the light of Christ into the world. “Why do you seek the loving among the dead? He is not here, he has risen.” Accordingly to Luke’s gospel, the women were first to discover the empty tomb, to realise that Christ was alive. This evening we celebrate, Christ the light has come into the world; he has risen!
Fr Vlad explained in his homily; “In the orthodox church and in an increasing number of Roman Catholic congregations today’s greeting is in Greek, “Khristos Anesti” Christ is risen. The customary response is, “Alithos Anesti” Truly, He is risen.”
This Easter, we at Caritas Deaf Service wish you all a blessed and happy Easter.
Khristos Anesti, Alithos Anesti.
Alleluia!
