Brothers and sisters in Christ, I would like to share two brief reflections for the Triduum, as the reality of our “yes” to the Lord is made known in the cross of Christ.
First, in the context of the Lord’s Supper, Jesus says, “If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first…” (Jn. 15:18). The reality is, by choosing Jesus we are choosing to be counter-cultural. By choosing Jesus we are choosing to be alienated, and yes, hated. By choosing Jesus we are choosing to be persecuted. The question I wish to posit is, do we know who/what we are choosing, fully and completely? The Triduum gives us a glimpse into our choosing Jesus, which does not end in death, but rises in glory.
The second brief reflection is this: As Catholics, the cross and the crucifixion have a special place in our hearts for adornment because the crucifixion reminds us of our calling, namely, to be persecuted with and for Christ’s sake so we may rise with Him. As Pope St. John Paul II notes in his Triduum reflection, “the Church puts the adoration of the Cross at the center of the Good Friday liturgy, not as a symbol of death but as a source of authentic life.”
My master’s thesis was on “Theology of Suffering and Vicarious Satisfaction” (I’d be happy to share with anyone interested), so I have spent a lot of time learning and reflecting on redemptive suffering and how the most intimate relationship I have found with the Lord is in meditating on His cross. For me, the cross of Christ has been the learning tree. I invite you all, as a family and as a community, to sit at the foot of the learning tree, where the Lord wishes to reveal the glory He has stored up for you in the Resurrection.
Happy Triduum and most especially, Happy anticipatory Resurrection. — Headmaster Eric Schreiber
St. John Paul II Classical School and Chesterton Academy are of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. They are private Catholic classical schools serving Montessori preschool and elementary through high school. They have open enrollment and provide an individualized education in an integrated faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. Learn more by scheduling a visit.
