Visita Iglesia and Holy Triduum Reflections

Holy Thursday

• 1st Reading:  Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14 – The Lord commands Moses and Aaron to mark the new year and prepare for Passover.  Each Israelite family is to select a flawless lamb, share as needed, and eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.  The lamb’s blood will protect them from the impending plague, signifying the Lord’s mercy as He strikes Egypt but spares His people, establishing an eternal commemoration.
• Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 116 – In response to God’s boundless grace, I vow to honor Him, lifting the cup of salvation as a symbol of my commitment.  Freed from my burdens, I dedicate my thanks and uphold my promises, embracing the covenant shared through Christ’s sacrifice.
• 2nd Reading:  1 Corinthians 11:23-26 – On the night of His betrayal, Jesus estalibhsed the Eucharist.  Breaking bread, He offered it as His body, and the cup as the new covenant in His blood, instructing us to commemorate His sacrifice in this act until He comes again.
• Gospel Reading:  John 13:1-15 – Before Passover, aware of his imminent departure, Jesus demonstrated his love by washing his disciples’ feet, a task for servants.  Peter initially resisted but accepted upon understanding its necessity for fellowship with Jesus.  Jesus used this act to teach humility and service, emphasizing that followers should emulate his example of serving others.

Good Friday

• 1st Reading:  Isaiah 52:13-53:12 – A prophetic passage in the Hebrew Bible that describes the suffering of a righteous servant who is despised and rejected by others but ultimately bears their sins and brings healing through his sacrifice.  The passage is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is considered a central text in Christian theology.
• Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 31 – These verses include the words spoke by Jesus on the cross as he surrendered his spirit to God.  Despite scorn and isolation, my faith in the Lord as my refuge remains unshaken.  Entrusting my future to His mercy, I seek His light and salvation, encouraging all to remain steadfast in their hope in the Lord.
• 2nd Reading:  Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 – Jesus is the ultimate high priest who sympathizes with human weakness and has made a perfect sacrifice for sin, thus providing a way for humanity to appraoch God with confidence.  The passage urges readers to hold fast to their faith in Jesus, who has been appointed by God as the source of eternal salvation.
• Gospel:  John 18:1-19:42 – Jesus, after being betrayed by Judas, was arrested and face trials before Jewish and Roman leaders, culminating in his crucifixion.  Despite Pilate’s hesitation, pressured by Jewish authorities and a manipulated crowd, he consented to Jesus’ death.  Jesus was crucified at Golgotha alongside two others.  Before his death, he ensured care for his mother and declared his mission fulfilled.  His side was pierced, verifying his death.  Joseph oof Arimathea and Nicodemus buried Jesus in a new tomb, marking the preparation day’s urgency.

Easter Vigil

• 1st Reading:  Genesis 1:1-2:2 – God creates the heavens and the earth.
• Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 104:1-2, 5-6, 10, 12, 13-14, 24, 35 or Psalm 33:4-5, 6-7, 12-13, 20-22 – A song of praise to God, the Creator.
• 2nd Reading:  Genesis 22:1-18 – God puts Abraham to the test.
• Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11 – The Lord shows us the path of life.
• 3rd Reading:  Exodus 14:15-15:1 – The Israelites pass through the Red Sea.
• Responsorial Psalm:  Exodus 15:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 17-18 – The song of praise that the Israelites sang after crossing the Red Sea.
• 4th Reading:  Isaiah 54:5-14 – The Lord promises to redeem Israel.
• Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11-12, 13 – A prayer of thanksgiving for God’s redemption.
• 5th Reading:  Isaiah 55:1-11 – A call to return to the Lord who is merciful.
• Responsorial Psalm:  Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6 – The Lord sends his salvation.
• 6th Reading:  Baruch 3:9-15, 32-4:4 – Israel is told to follow the way of God’s commandments.
• Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11 – A prayer of praise for God’s commandments.
• 7th Reading:  Ezekiel 36:16-17a, 18-28 – The Lord will cleanse Israel for the sake of his holy name.
• Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 42:3, 5; 53:3, 4 or Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6 or Psalm 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19 – A prayer of praise for God who saves us.
• Epistle:  Romans 6:3-11 – Those who have been baptized have died with Christ.
• Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23 – God’s mercy endures forever.
• Gospel Reading:  Mark 16:1-7– The women find that the stone from Jesus’ tomb has been rolled back, and an angel reports that Jesus has been raised from the dead.

Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord

• 1st Reading:  Acts of the Apostles 10:34a, 37-43 – Peter preaches about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
• Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23 – Rejoice in this day of the Lord.
• 2nd Reading:  Colossians 3:1-4 – Having been raised by Christ, be concerned with what is above.  Or 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8 – Let us celebrate this feast with new yeast.
• Gospel Reading:  John 20:1-9 – Mary of Magdala finds that the stone has been removed from Jesus’ tomb.