An Invitation to the Triduum
Today begins the Triduum, the Three Great Days in which we walk with our Lord through his passion, death, and resurrection. The Triduum begins with the Maundy Thursday liturgy, which starts at 7:00 p.m. At this service we remember the last night of Jesus’ life – specifically Jesus instituting the Eucharist and washing the disciples’ feet. In addition to sharing the Eucharist, we’ll have an opportunity to wash one another’s feet. The liturgy concludes with the stripping of the altar, followed by a prayer vigil that will last until 11:00 a.m. on Good Friday. Please feel free to come and pray in the sanctuary at any time during the vigil, remembering Jesus’ words to his disciples on that night to “watch and pray” (Mark 14:38).
On Good Friday we have two different worship opportunities. First, at noon we will meet in the sanctuary to be led through the Stations of the Cross, pausing at each station for silent reflection, music, and meditations on Scripture. The service concludes with the solemn collects of Good Friday, silent prayer, and a communion service in which all consecrated bread and wine are consumed. No new bread and wine are consecrated on Good Friday, but we will consume everything that will have been consecrated on Maundy Thursday, thus leaving no consecrated bread and wine until the first Eucharist of Easter. The service lasts approximately three hours. Then, at 7:00 p.m. we will have an Evening Prayer service for those who may not be able to make it at noon. At this service we’ll hear Scripture, pray, sing, and hear a reflection on the crucifixion. Evening Prayer will last just under an hour.
Saturday at 7:00 p.m. is the Great Vigil of Easter. We will gather outside in darkness (sunset is at 6:44!), where we will light the Paschal Candle and process together into the Sanctuary. Then, while still in darkness, we will hear several readings from the Old Testament, beginning with creation and culminating with the promise of gathering God’s people together. At that time, we will baptize five people, and all will renew their baptismal vows. After the baptism we declare that Lent is over and say the first “Alleluia!” of Easter. The lights come on and the celebration of the resurrection begins. The celebration continues on Sunday morning, when we will celebrate a Festival Eucharist at both services, with a celebratory brunch in the Parish Hall between the services.
I encourage each of us to be present for as much of the Triduum as possible, as this is the week that we rehearse the saving act of God in the death and resurrection of Jesus in great depth. I would also encourage us to pray about people in our lives who may be open to hearing the gospel and invite them to church on Sunday. It’s possible that they may be more open to attending a service this week than at any other time of the year, and the highly sensory nature of each service provide unique entry points for spiritual seekers.
May this be a holy time in which all of us experience the power and love of God in new and deeper ways, and that we might bear witness – through our actions and our words – to that deep love to all who are around us.
Peace,
Chris