Easter is coming up and I’m sure everyone’s excited. Whether for Easter egg hunts, seeing family, or simply sleeping in, there are lots of activities to look forward to. But there’s a lot more to it than cute bunnies laying eggs (what is up with that? Aren’t they mammals?) Easter is the day Jesus resurrected and overcame death so that we too might overcome death and live in eternity. The day everything comes together. The whole liturgical year is centered around this single moment in time. The Ultimate sacrifice. That is why it’s important to go to a service on that day, in order to honor Jesus’ sacrifice. But there are also three more days to celebrate His life leading up to that Mass, called the Tridium. Perhaps you’ve heard of these days, perhaps not. If you’re like me, you half sleep through the Masses, while trying to concentrate and pray. But only recently I’ve wondered why? What really are these Masses all about? 

They are the days leading up to his crucifixion, death and resurrection. The first night, Holy Thursday, we celebrate the Last Supper, which is the last Passover Feast necessary because we no longer need to sacrifice lambs after the lamb of God is sacrificed. On Thursday there will be washing of the feet like how Jesus washed the Disciples feet. Afterwards, it is often adoration and stripping of the altar to show how Jesus prepared for his death and so do we. 

Next comes Good Friday, which begins in silence. The Tridium Mass is all one Mass, split over three days (thank goodness! Imagine going to it all in one day). Friday is all centered around the crucifixion, and the Mass is often said at three o’clock, the time Jesus died. There is no consecration of the body and blood, but Eucharist from the day before is given out. After Good Friday, is Holy Saturday, where you will not find a single mass (in the Catholic Church) on that day. Jesus is dead (so they think) during this time so we are obviously not celebrating.

One day later, it’s Easter Sunday! Jesus overcame death and now we celebrate. New members are welcomed into the Church and it’s an all around day of joy. There is also an Easter Vigil celebrated after sunset on Saturday evening, with a more subdued type of celebration. There are candles and a sense of calm. So each of these days are just as important as Christmas, I promise. Enjoy these Masses and have a joyful Easter! God Bless!

By Natalie Bowman ‘30, Contributing Writer

30nbowman@montroseschool.org