Triduum: The Central Mystery of Our Faith

Lent is about to end tonight after the evening Mass of the Lord's Supper. The word Triduum comes from the Latin word meaning "three days." It begins the evening of Maundy Thursday and ends at Evening Prayer on Easter Sunday. We are about to enter into the next 3 days commemorating and celebrating the central mystery of our faith. The death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ leading to our redemption and salvation. The Easter Triduum rituals invites us to reflect deeper on our faith and brings about the heart of our being Christian, this speaks of the fulfillment of our mission, the victory on the cross, the salvation on His resurrection.

The Rituals of the EASTER TRIDUUM:

  
Washing of Feet: After the homily on Maundy Thursday, we imitate our master in the washing of feet. The symbol of humility and servant leadership personified. This ritual reminds us that our baptismal commitment means we are to be servants of one another. In the time of St. Ambrose in Milan, those who were baptized also had their feet washed, because of Jesus' words to Peter: "Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed" (Jn 13:10).

 
 Veneration of the Cross: As part of our observance of Good Friday, we venerate the cross on which Christ died. The veneration challenges us to be willing to accept the cross, too, for it is the only way to resurrection. Through Baptism, we shared in Christ's death that we might come to new life. Every year we are called to deepen our identification with his cross and resurrection. A call to repentance and forgiveness at its finest. A mission being accomplished with deep love for humanity, for you and me.

Waters of Baptism: The core of our celebration of the Easter Vigil is the Baptism of the elect. As we share in their joy on this holy night, we are all called to renew our own baptismal promises, to live in the joy of life in the Risen Christ. The conversion and the cleansing that fulfills our being and our Christianity.

My only sister. A migrant for God.

Today, I got the news from my only sister that her papers for Canada has arrived.  That means that for the first time, my sister will be away from the family and work in Canada as a caregiver.  Her work permit will be for 2 years.

Couldn't help but reflect on the migrant workers.  People who, in their search of greener pastures, needs to sacrifice for the family. They endure the sadness and other obstacles to make sure that life would be more comfortable for the family that they leave behind.

Migration is part of our life. Moving and crossing over to what life would bring us next.

As a kid, I was used to moving from one place to the other.  We were among the first family from the clan who left Zamboanga City and settled in Manila.  Growing up to face "the city" was something scary and exciting. Scary because it is a new territory.  No friends...adjustment in lifestyle...major change...and its sad, and sadness can eat you. But moreso, its exciting because it also means growth.  New things to learn, new places to go and new memories to create.

Migration, moving... is mission.  Wherever we are, the bottom line is, if we continue to exist not only for ourselves but more for others, for me that is mission. It is radiating for Christ that makes that movement, that makes migration worth while because in it comes your mission.  To see how God will use you in your present state and how He will move you to greater heights.

As I ended my chat with my only sister, our only assurance to her is God's faithfulness. That despite our distance, we will continue to be united in prayers.  That our God, is beyond space and time...that He will bind us as a family to bear witness to Him to the ends of the earth.

God bless you, my little lovely sister.  May you fulfill the mission that God has called you for.  He will be with you in joy and sadness, in whatever season, in fullness of your life in Christ. 

We love you.