One of the multiple good things about ritual is that it becomes a “tradition” in our lives that we not only depend upon, but count on. Throughout human history, ritual has given people hope and   established a commonality of pride among peoples. The traditions, whether national, familial, or religious becomes the fabric of our lives. These rituals such as the national Pledge of Allegiance, to familial traditions including but not limited to the opening of Christmas presents (on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day), the menu at a Fourth of July cookout, or the religious traditions of Easter and Christmas instill in us confidence, hope, community, security and more. 

The celebration of Easter at our Catholic Masses, and indeed the whole of Holy Week, gives us hope—that our sins are forgiven; joy—that we shall see our deceased loved ones again; it builds   community among like-minded believers as we live in an uncertain and challenging world; and, security— that we know we are loved and cared for by a magnificent, Creator God. And, these are just a few benefits of traditions.

However, for some, the repetition of the “same old story” may seem outdated and useless. I have even heard a few say that the three-day Triduum liturgy seems a waste of time. Yes, I have heard that. It can, at first, be very annoying and even insulting, from a human perspective. But, when one understands that this confusion often times is not out-right unbelief or even anger, but rather stems from a lack of   understanding and ignorance, then one must realize that the lack of meaning for the celebration of Easter (or Advent, Lent and Christmas) is more at the feet of the Church than the fault of the person—for perhaps “we” the Church has not explained well the Triduum’s importance. How can one believe something if one hasn’t lived it? How can one know God if one hasn’t been shown God? 

In a world that is influenced by constant social media barrages, often times overwhelming our   attention for time, the responsibility to really communicate falls to the communicator. In centuries,   decades and even years past, perhaps the Church has declared a Truth with little or no local catechesis. Maybe the priest hasn’t explained well the meaning of the homily, or the parish’s faith formation program was poorly developed, or a youth ministry program wasn’t engaging. No matter the cause, the lack of   understanding of why Christ came to earth, why He died for our sins, why He was resurrected and why He offers us the gift of Eternal Life—from Pure Love, is our Church’s treasure to unfold and behold—to all peoples. 

We are blessed here at St. Catherine of Siena with both the wherewithal—financial generosity—and the talented people who build amazing Bible studies, host guest speakers, cultivate youth ministry and faith formation programs that instill meaning in our lives, as well as offer many ministries involving the faithful while nourishing those in need, materially and spiritually. As I say, I am blessed to be a priest in this parish. As we move into the fifty days of Easter, let us open our hearts and minds to God’s love so that we may deepen our own understanding of His Truth and its benefits for our lives. And, then may we   recommit ourselves to being part of the “lived explanation” of His gift of human life and Eternal Life for all.