The passion told

Months of planning, and a fair bit of inviting combined to produce one of the most remarkable experiences of the Good Friday Passion of Our Lord.  High School students and children from the parish don't often get an opportunity to get involved, but in this case, we welcomed the chance to let them show off their talents.  All of these children have been involved with this parish for years, and finally they got their moment to return a gesture of service to the parish in return for all the years of dedication and learning they have been given.

What a wonderful opportunity for some teamwork!  The procession made its way to the front of the church in silence, and all the people knelt in prayer, as is the custom on this day.  Then we began with some very simple explanations and a short prayer.  From there, the waiting teenagers took over, proclaiming the passion, providing reflections as if from the characters who were involved in the drama, and drawing listeners deeper and deeper into the story as it unfolded.

Each Sunday, when children in this parish take part in the special Liturgy of the Word that is theirs, they listen to the scriptures and then are invited to take part in a dialogue homily with the catechists.  On rare occasions, the children come up to the church and we conduct the dialogue homily in front of the gathered congregation.  Such was the case on this Good Friday.  The catechist (in this case the priest) has to be careful how the questions are asked.  When questioned about the significance of this day, one of our little friends wondered whether it was Earth Day.  We responded in the affirmative, explaining that this was the reason for the dimmed lights.

The next part of the liturgy is the Veneration of the Cross.  In this case, some of the teenagers who were present gladly came forward to assist.  Holding the cross high, they presented the instrument of ancient torture which has been transformed into the symbol of triumph, and then proceeded to present it over the heads of the people gathered in the congregation.  As it moved slowly above them, individuals reached out to touch it in silence, and to offer a silent prayer, even as the strains of the family choir filled the church with the music of Taizé.

Ah yes, the choir was a composite of various families from our parish, most of which have some children who fit into the category of teenager or younger.  In addition, we have been blessed for the past two years to have among us a group of Vietnamese individuals who have certainly made themselves at home and who have added their voices to to the family choir, for they too are part of the family of God.

Thanks to all those who shared their talents in so many ways, this year's observance of the Commemoration of the Passion spoke to many hearts.  Perhaps, just maybe, some of those who were here got a different perspective on the mystery we celebrate.