‘Alleluia, Alleluia’

Richard A. Sokerka

In the midst of Holy Week, the Paschal Triduum begins today on Holy Thursday, important days on the liturgical calendar that lead us to the ultimate joy of Easter — the centerpiece of our faith — that Jesus Christ has risen from the dead.

During the Triddum we enter into deeper reflection on the institution of the Eucharist by Christ on Holy Thursday at the Mass of the Last Supper.

On Good Friday, we focus on the Passion of Christ. Christ humbled himself by suffering and pouring himself out unconditionally on the Cross for all of us. This sacrifice of love ultimately led to triumph over sin and evil and made salvation possible for each of us.

Christ’s Passion, Pope Francis said, invites us to imitate the “humility of Jesus for that is what makes Holy Week ‘holy.’ We will take this path of Jesus’ own humiliation. Only in this way will this week be holy for us too.”

In our darkened churches on Holy Saturday as the Easter Vigil begins, the light of Christ will illuminate us. On this holy night, the Church keeps watch, celebrating the Resurrection of Christ in the sacraments and awaiting his return in glory. It is the turning point of the Triduum, the Passover of the new covenant, which marks Christ’s passage from death to life.

During the Sacred Triduum, the Holy Father asks us all to follow Jesus on his path of “humiliation” so that on Easter all will rejoice in his Resurrection as we again proudly proclaim, “Alleluia, Alleluia, Christ is risen from the dead!”