The holiest season
Around this time every year the Church celebrates her highest liturgy: the Holy Triduum. Though ‘Triduum’ refers to ‘three’, it is technically spread out over four days. In Jewish tradition the previous evening is considered part of the next day — so, we have Holy Thursday evening through to Easter Sunday evening all included in this holiest of holy seasons.
Not just a commemoration
While for non-Catholic Christians the tendency is to see this week as a commemoration of past events, for Catholics this is not the case. We approach the Triduum with a significantly different attitude, because our approach to it is above all liturgical.
Through the liturgy we can really participate in the events of Christ’s life, not in a ‘commemorative’ way (remembering past events now concluded), but in an ‘actual’ way; in other words, we really enter into those events mystically.
Dread versus joy
On a merely human level, we may approach the Triduum with as much dread as joy. Maybe we’re not exactly looking forward to the long services or the Good Friday fast.
I remember as kids our mother didn’t have us fast on Good Friday as we were too young, but she would make the blandest food you could think of. The taste of un-buttered mash mixed with spinach comes to mind — not pleasant.
If we enter into the Triduum on a merely human level, of course we’re going to despise it. From an outside view, the only good thing about Lent is losing weight, and the only good thing about Easter is gaining some of it back.
But, of course, we know this is not the point. As much as possible, let’s tune in to the heart of the Triduum: the silent, sombre Holy Thursday to Holy Saturday, and the joyous, triumphant Easter Sunday.
Practical ideas for the Triduum
As a Catholic child, college student, missionary, and now wife and mother, over the years I have observed many different approaches to observing the sacred Triduum. Outside of the obvious services we are all encouraged (and in some cases obliged) to attend, here are a few extra details I have found bring these days to the next level.
Receive the Sacrament of Confession. Of course, this is recommended throughout the year, either every few weeks or any time we commit a mortal sin (whichever comes first). However, receiving the Sacrament of Confession is particularly recommended in the lead up to Easter Sunday, and is typically done on Holy Saturday. We often say the soul is like a window between us and God, and when we sin it’s like smearing dirt across the glass. Confession, therefore, is a ‘cleaning’ of our soul, which makes us better able to see God and receive His grace. I can’t think of a better way to prepare for the Church’s highest liturgy, where so many opportunities for grace are offered to us!
Also, one of the first things Jesus did when he rose from the dead was give the Apostles the power to forgive sins (John 20:23) — and this forgiving of sins is possible because of the price Jesus paid on the cross. Confession is essentially Jesus’ (dearly paid for) Easter gift to us — let’s receive it!
Watch The Passion of Christ by Mel Gibson on Good Friday. We even did this as a family from quite a young age, but of course exercise viewer discretion as needed. I remember being 8 when it was released, and how it made a lasting impact on me even then. I left that movie with a very strong realisation (probably for the first time) of what Jesus has done for me, and of what I do to him every time I choose to sin. Far from being damaged in any way, I felt equipped to better face temptation and better love the Christ who had sacrificed everything for me. This movie, while difficult to watch, is a poignant reminder of what we are called to enter into and commemorate on this particular Friday.
Observe silence from Holy Thursday evening to Holy Saturday evening. In contemplating and participating in the suffering and death of Our Lord, I have found observing physical silence to be one of the most helpful tools. Oh, and it makes for an extra joyous, rambunctious celebration of the Easter vigil when you finally break the silence (especially if you live with other young people who are gasping for a conversation, music, or just a simple shout)!
Consider an extra fast for Holy Thursday evening to Holy Saturday evening. For the same reasons as above, try and think of an extra way to fast in this final stretch. Maybe you could dive deep and last on water, or bread and water. Or maybe you could start with something a little less extreme. However, if you’re going to go all-out (whatever that looks like for you) at any time this year, these are the 48 hours to do it.
Don’t forget prayer and almsgiving. As fasting, prayer and almsgiving are the three things we are called to do in a special way during Lent, let these final two days also have a special emphasis on prayer and almsgiving. Things to consider include praying a Holy Hour or Holy Half-Hour each day, and making one significant act of giving.
More in, more out
The more we put into the Triduum, the more we are going to get out of it. As always, the objective reality of God’s grace never changes; what does change is our receptivity.
So, let’s dispose ourselves towards being receptive and ready ourselves to draw close to our Creator. Hopefully some of the suggestions above can be of help, and hopefully you have some ideas and traditions of your own.
The solemn segment of the Triduum lasts only 48 hours; then Easter stretches to 50 days! There will be plenty of time for feasting, and it’s just around the corner. Whether your Lent has been brilliant and these final two days are the cherry on top, or your Lent has been dismal and this is your last chance at a comeback — make these 48 hours count. And then … Happy Easter … He is risen!
Live the Triduum
Watch Fr Columba Jordan CFR’s take on how to make the most of the Holy Triduum.
Recommended reading for the Triduum
The Triduum is upon us; here are some articles to work through.
The Definitive Guide to Holy Week
How the Cross Saves Us (Good Friday)
What the Cross Tells Us About Evil (Good Friday)
‘He descended into Hell’ (Holy Saturday)
CTM articles on Easter
… and with Easter just around the corner, you might enjoy these, too.
Women of the Cross & Resurrection
10 Ways to Celebrate the Easter Season
Christ in the City, Ireland
Christ in the City is coming to Ireland! In addition to receiving spiritual, intellectual and human formation, participants will (in groups of three) walk the same street routes regularly befriending the homeless. As trust is built, they will accompany friends on the street to medical, housing and/or prenatal appointments, or simply to enjoy healthy friendships over coffee. Oftentimes, these friendships become a turning point towards restoring their sense of self-worth.
Christ in the City is looking for a team of 10-15 young Irish people aged 18-28 to serve in Waterford City from May 22nd to June 11th, 2022. To apply, click here.
Once your application has been received, an interview will be scheduled. You can also contact Valya O’Donovan via WhatsApp: +353 (0)86 884 8818. Valya is an Irish girl currently serving with Christ in the City in Denver, Colorado, and will be one of the team members leading the Irish mission.
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Yours in Christ,
Katie Ascough
Founder, Called to More