When my alarm went off at 5 this morning, I prepared for the day and hurried down to our small chapel, eager to have some quiet time of prayer before my shift began in our infirmary. 
 
As I reflected on the first reading from Jeremiah and subsequent psalm, several phrases spoke to me: “mighty champion…my strength…my rock, my fortress, my deliverer.” 
 
Like the prophet and psalmist long before me, I was encouraged to put my hope in the One in whom “I have entrusted my cause.”   
                                                                                      
Whatever the day may hold and whatever my struggle may be, today’s readings on the cusp of Holy Week remind me of where my focus should be; the remind me of Who I must look to for my strength and support.
 
I am encouraged to know that “the LORD is with me, like a mighty champion.”
 
As St. Paul would later say, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”

​​As we approach these holiest days of the year, memories surface from Passiontides past­- both recent and from years ago. 

My understanding is that the last two weeks of Lent fall under this sub-seasonal category.

We are on the cusp of a somber, yet beautiful time, a particularly holy time. Soon, crosses will be covered.  

Things are going to be so different for me this year, living in a different place and not being sacristan anymore.  I can remember, in the past, wishing that I could just participate in the liturgies of Holy Week without having to coordinate or prepare for them.  Now, I am feeling somewhat nostalgic and almost wishing that I were still in that position. 
 
I can remember getting our brown suitcase down from the top cabinets in the sacristy; it held all the special things we would need: violet-colored cross covers, the wooden clapper, things for the Easter candle, and more. 
 
Even outside the liturgy, there are so many special and unique things tied to Holy Week  Two of my favorites are dyeing Easter eggs on Holy Saturday afternoon and making Hot Cross Buns to serve on Holy Thursday. 
 
I can also remember doing a thorough cleaning of the sanctuary and of candles and the vigil light rack during the last days of Holy Week.  The timing was perfect in more ways than one.  
 
It will be interesting to see what customs arise here for me.  

Have a blessed Passiontide!

Tomorrow starts our provincial chapter.  During this three-day event, we will discuss various topics and elect our new superior.  We have Sisters from our generalate in Germany here for the occasion. 
 
Would you kindly keep us in prayer these days, for the guidance of the Holy Spirit?