I have just returned from our parish's Holy Thursday evening pilgrimage of church visitations. Following the Mass of the Lord's Supper at our church at 7:00 pm, a Mass where we had approximately 200 present (how I wish that more people would respond to the invitation and join in these most holy days). Those present were there because they wanted to be and were wonderfully into the quiet intimacy of this liturgy. For their presence and faith and love, I am most grateful.
I spoke of this liturgy involving the intimate gathering of our family around the table. I spoke of Pope Francis' comment at Wednesday General Audience that Christ makes the first move toward us, and that while the Scriptures say that the "Son of Man has no where to lay his head", that in fact he has chosen us to make his home - chosen us as Church, chosen us as family, chosen each of us as individuals - to dwell within. What an awesome thought. No matter who we are, Christ has chosen to dwell within us. How, then, can we ever hate another, ignore others' needs, marginalize or minimize another human being?
At the conclusion of Mass we processed to our Chapel of Repose in a room off of the vestibule, where we reserved the Blessed Sacrament and began a period of quiet prayer.
We had about twenty one people join us on our pilgrimage to visit three of our local churches before stopping for a bite to eat at a local restaurant. Then we returned to SEAS (Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton) for a final prayer before calling it a night.
With our Chrism Mass this morning in Greensburg which was very full and very beautiful, a luncheon for the priests as the Holy Oils were being prepared, and setting up for this evening, it has been a long but rewarding day. Looking forward to some rest and a great Good Friday tomorrow (actually - today).
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