We have had computer problems, but I am finally getting a chance to learn to use the older computers. The kids use the computers for math and writing assignments. They also email their friends occasionally, so there always seems to be a line up for computer use. School work trumps all other activities, including blogging.
I discovered something about Easter this year. The celebration is not dependent on me. I was as behind as a mother can get in laundry, housework, schooling...the whole shebang. Even with big kid help, I gave up on preparing our usual Holy Thursday lamb supper (we had frozen pizza instead), Good Friday hot cross buns (bagels instead) and Easter dinner. We decided the most important thing to do was make sure we got to all the Triduum Masses. We did, and they were breathtakingly beautiful, reverent and spiritually uplifting.
On Holy Thursday Kevin J. represented one of the apostles and submitted to having his feet washed by Father Gerald. I always struggle with the purgatorial nature of washing 12 guys stinky feet. I hate feet. I can hardly clip toe nails on my toddlers. So I figure the priests gain extra graces from this humble practice.
Never do I long more fervently to stay near our Lord in the Altar of Repose than after Holy Thursday Mass. But with littles, we must head home.
Friday is a long service with the hideous reading of the Crucifixion. It tears your heart every year. The altar is stripped bare and the organ is silent. The veneration of the cross is a lovely tradition on that day, even the youngest children can participate and show Jesus their love.
On Saturday we decorated eggs and prepared for the Vigil Mass. Ours begins at 8:15, just as dark falls. Kevin J. and Alex were ushering and Alex was asked to hold the Easter candle as Father read the prayers and made the markings on it. Then the long and many readings covering salvation history begins in darkness. They are beautiful and it helps the children to be familiar with them a head of time. Some young children fall asleep. How sweet to fall asleep to the world in darkness and sadness, then awake to a blaze of flowers, light, music and joy.
Easter morning we did manage to pull off Easter baskets and a big brunch. Later Aunt Kari and Uncle David came over for the children's egg hunt and Kari took pity on me and brought Easter dinner. She even cleaned up. Now there is an Easter blessing!
You know, there is much ugliness in the world. Satan is bearing down hard. He figures he can destroy the Church through a two pronged approach. Destroy priests and destroy families and he will have it in the bag. He thinks this is his hour. But it is not.
Christ already triumphed over sin and death. We only need to stick with Him and we will be saved.
He is risen, Alleluia!
"I discovered something about Easter this year. The celebration is not dependent on me."
Oh, Bridget, I've had that revelation, too! It still happens, whether Mom is ready or not! Glad you're back online!
Posted by: Jennifer Gregory Miller | April 07, 2010 at 08:49 PM
Love this post too.
I too am discovering that Advent and Lent can be beautiful without all the things I used to be able to do. I am in a slump for cooking and arts and crafts - just struggling to do the everyday stuff. But we do pray - and boy do we need to.
Blessings
Posted by: Marilyn | April 17, 2010 at 08:31 AM