Saint Joseph Catholic Church

Alleluia Verse, Ps 118:24:This is the day the LORD has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.

Alleluia Verse, Ps 118:24:This is the day the LORD has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.

From the Gospel of Mass for Easter Day: Then the angel said to the women in reply, "Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him.' Behold, I have told you." (Matt 28:5-7)

On Holy Saturday, the Church waits at the Lord's tomb, in prayer and fasting, meditating on his Passion and Death and on his Descent into Hell and awaiting his Resurrection. The Church abstains from the Sacrifice of the Mass, with the sacred table left bare, until after the solemn Vigil, that is, the anticipation by night of the Resurrection, when the time comes for paschal joys, the abundance which overflows to occupy fifty days. Holy Communion may only be given on this day as Viaticum. --The Roman Missal, Third Typical Edition

"It is accomplished; and bowing his head he gave up his spirit."

The last three days of Holy Week are referred to as the Easter or Sacred Triduum (Triduum Sacrum), the three-part drama of Christ's redemption: Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday.

Wednesday of Holy Week is traditionally known as Spy Wednesday, to commemorate the treachery of Judas, who made a bargain with the high priest to betray Jesus for 30 silver pieces (Matt 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:1-6).

This Holy Week Mass brings us the second description of the Christlike Suffering Servant of the Lord. It is almost a portrait of Jesus during Holy Week. These final three Lenten Gospels all describe a dinner with Judas present.

For those following the readings of daily Mass in Lent, the Biblical best has been saved for Holy Week. The book of the prophet Isaiah contains four separate descriptions of a "Suffering Servant"--a shadowy figure called by God to suffer and give his life for the people. Today we read the first description of the Christ-like Suffering Servant. Isaiah shows him as chosen by God and patiently preaching justice to the nations. It is almost a description of the dedicated, patient Jesus. The Responsorial Psalm is the prayer of the Suffering Servant.