Sainthood
There's an interesting
article in Slate about the proposed canonization of John Paul II. The most important thing to learn from it, I think, is that saints were not perfect--they were humans aspiring to perfection through faith in God. To call a saint perfect takes away from what they are supposed to be for us as Catholics--examples of ordinary people with extraordinary faith.
Labels: saints
Holy Thursday
Today is Holy Thursday, the beginning of the Triduum. Since I am having my feet washed in church today, I thought it would be appropriate to share some of the images throughout history that depict this solemn act.
Duccio di Buoninsegna,
Washing of the Feet, 1308-11
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Siena
Albrecht Durer,
Small Passion: 9. Christ Washing Peter's Feet, 1511
British Museum, London
Giotto di Bondone,
No. 30 Scenes from the Life of Christ: 14. Washing of Feet, 1304-06
Cappella Scrovegni, Padua
Tintoretto,
Christ Washing the Feet of His Disciples, 1547
Museo del Prado, Madrid
Chrism mass
Tuesday, I attended the Chrism Mass. This is where the oils for anointing are consecrated (blessed). There are three oils: 1. One for anointing the sick; 2. One for preparing adults for baptism; and 3. One used in baptism, confirmation, and the taking of Holy Orders (i.e., becoming a member of the Religious life--a priest or nun).
(Note: I don't know if the third oil is also used when one becomes a member of the Third Order (that is, consecrated laity--people who may be married, but still perform a religious function--deacons, lay bretheren and sisters, etc.). I'll have to ask about that.)
The most awe-some thing about the Chrism Mass is that it is the annual renewal of religious vows, so priests from across the diocese were there. They all renewed their covenents, and then all blessed the Chrism oil (the aforementioned third oil). Seeing that many priests in one place, all in full vestment, reassures me about the future of the Church. We may not be perfect, but we are The People of God. And, with God's help, we (will) act accordingly.
Holy Week
Only three days until I'm in full Communion with the Catholic Church!
I'm excited, and I'm especially excited about Holy Week. On Palm Sunday (or Passion Sunday), we celebrate the liturgy of the Lord's Passion. Then Tuesday follows with the Chrism Mass. Tonight, I will go to church for the Chrism Mass, in which the priest and archbishop will bless the oils that are used for the sacraments of baptism and the anointing of the sick.
The Triduum starts on Thursday night, and includes Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil on Saturday. On Saturday, I will become Catholic, with my whole family present. I'm very excited!
(Oh, and
this is something interesting that I found.)
