As we all journey through Holy Week, join with us at Caritas Deaf Service as we walk that journey in sign language.
Palm Sunday The telling of Christ’s passion, the first time we are reminded of that story this week. Jesus on a humble donkey being welcomed and lauded by the crowds, “Hosanna to the Son of David”, the same crowds that a few days later turn their shouts of joy into condemnation with cries of “Crucify”. We know that we have the joy of the resurrection to look forward to. Yes we have to travel through the betrayal of Jesus, the darkness of Good Friday but that hope, that Good News is waiting for us on Easter Sunday. Fr Paulo Bagini asked us all to truly believe in that Good News. He reminded us that we often treat good news in our daily lives with suspicion and disbelief but the Good News of Jesus Christ is different. As we walk with Jesus from Jerusalem to Calvary we prepare ourselves to receive this Good News with an open and willing heart.
Chrism Mass “I ask all present here to pray especially for the priests of the Diocese, not just today but every day.” words shared with us by Archbishop Richard Moth in this his first Chrism Mass as our new Archbishop.
We are so blessed in Westminster with the clergy who take the time to learn to sign Mass for the Deaf Community and thank God for their dedication and hard work. We remember you in our prayers, today and always.
Maundy Thursday, the day when the emotional and physical pendulum swung from the beauty of the Last Supper to Jesus being arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane after being betrayed by Judas Iscariot. In the midst of these events Jesus gave himself in service by washing the feet of his disciples. Jesus set us an example to follow. Fr Vlad explained to us that “He [Jesus] taught us to live by giving ourselves in the service of our communities” and went on to share with us. “Living for others … is a transformative journey that can enhance life”.
Fr Vlad explained to us that we are called to look after others but also to care for ourselves. Each of us is a gift from God and to not look after a gift from God is an insult. Albert Einstein put it, ‘Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.’ Christ tells us “What you do to the least of mine, you do unto me.” In the words of the hymn, “Each other’s needs to prefer for it is Christ we are serving.”
Good Friday Fr Vlad shares with us:
“In 2026 there are approximately 2.38 billion Christians – 1.27 billion Roman Catholics …belonging is one thing. Behaving is something else and far more important. In Luke 17:20-21 Jesus tells the Pharisees that the Kingdom of God is not an observable, physical realm, but rather a spiritual reality existing ‘within you’ or ‘in your midst’. In other words, where love rules, God’s kingdom is present, in the heart of a committed Christian as well as in a community of committed Christians, like a monastery, or indeed the community here at this chapel.
Love generates peace, joy and unity…..Fall in love with God and you will see how your life is enriched.”
His is risen – Alleluia!
The tomb was empty, the women ran to tell the other disciples, Jesus’ body is not there, he is risen. The first words after this discovery of the empty tomb, were “do not be afraid”. The fear and sadness of the crucifixion were turned into great joy and celebration. Christ is risen, he is risen indeed, Alleluia! Happy Easter.
