Reflections for Holy Week, Part 2

Thursday – Remembrance

After Jesus gives His Body and Blood to His apostles, He says, “Do this in remembrance of Me.” The Greek word for remembrance here is anamnésis. It doesn't mean a simple recalling of the past. It's something much, much more.

Anamnésis refers to the kind of liturgical remembrance that makes an event present so that people of all times and places may participate in it intimately and receive its benefits.

The Jews remembered the Passover in this way. Through their liturgical celebration, they made present the events of the first Passover and thereby took an active part in the salvation God provided through it.

We do the same at every Mass. In the Eucharist, Jesus becomes really present for us, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. We remember His Paschal sacrifice on the cross, which began at the Last Supper and now stands outside time, and it is made present that we may participate in it and receive the benefits of salvation that Jesus merited for the whole world. Through anamnésis we stand at the foot of the Cross as we truly receive our Savior into our bodies and our hearts.

When Jesus says “Do this in remembrance of Me” then, He means it in a rich, deep way that is much more than merely looking back but rather diving into the mystery of our redemption.

Friday – Jesus on the Cross

On this Good Friday, take some time to meditate on Jesus on the cross. Really picture Him. Notice His many wounds. Reflect on His suffering. Listen to His words.

Place yourself at the foot of Jesus' cross. What do you have to say to Him? He is on that cross for your sake. He is dying to take away your sins and bring you salvation. He is suffering now on earth that you might rejoice forever in Heaven.

And He does it all willingly and with great love. In fact, if you were the only person in the whole world who needed to be saved, Jesus would do just what He did: die for you. He loves you that much.

On this Good Friday, be sure to remember and to thank Him.

Saturday – Waiting

The stone has been rolled in front of the tomb. All is silent. The whole world seems to be holding its breath, waiting for something. It doesn't know what.

The disciples weep through the sabbath, mourning the horrendous death of the One they thought would save them. Yet they are waiting, too. There's a tension in the air. They can sense it, but they don't understand it.

Mother Mary is also waiting, but she knows what she's waiting for. Even though her grief at the death of her Son was almost unbearable, she believes what He told her. She believes that death cannot hold Him, that He will rise again on the third day.

We, too, are waiting, and like Mary, we know what we await: the joy of Easter. In these quiet hours of waiting, then, we should rest in God, silent, meditative, grateful, for in a little while, we shall see His glory.