PARISH NEWS

Old Testament Promises

Easter Week is the most profoundly moving and intense season of the Church year.  If we immerse ourselves in Holy Week, if we have been swept up in the timeless beauty and relevance of scripture and liturgy, symbol and sacrifice, then we can re-live those events of 2000 years ago. That is why the Church in her wisdom has long made this a rich celebration above all others.

Beginning with Palm Sunday, replete with symbolism of the palm branches, the blessing of the holy oils at Chrism Mass on Tuesday, washing of feet and stripping of the tabernacle and altar on Holy Thursday, recounting the Passion story and reverencing of the Cross in the stark church on Good Friday and finally and wonderfully the eruption of light and joy in the Easter Vigil Mass on Easter eve. Full participation enables full engagement of the senses in the sacred experience.

The relevant gospels (Matt 27:11-54; John 18:1-19 ) have been at the centre of our celebration of the Word, but hopefully we have reflected too on the many Old Testament readings, particularly from Isaiah, which point towards our Easter joy.

Following Christ through the darkness of Good Friday, we reflect on Isaiah Chapter 52 and 53, thinking, “I recognise this! The suffering servant of God who takes all the sins of humanity upon his shoulders, who comes for the salvation of the Israelites (and of us).” Is this foretelling, many centuries before, the Good News of Jesus, the Son of God who does just that? And Chapters 54 and 55 of Isaiah gives us glimpses of light at the end of the tunnel, of promise, cause for confidence and rejoicing. These lead seamlessly to the pinnacle of the Easter story. In glorious fulfilment of the ancient promises, Jesus is victorious over death itself!! (Matt 28:1-10) Alleluia, alleluia!

Happy Easter indeed!

Deacon Mark Kelly