A few days later there was a tragic explosion at the Hawthorne Depot Training Center in Nevada killing 7 Marines. Then just a few days after the explosion, 3 Marines died in a tragic shooting on the USMC Base in Quantico, Va.On Sunday the holiest week of the liturgical year began with the celebration of Palm Sunday. The week leads into the great feast of the Triduum. The Triduum begins with Holy Thursday, followed by Good Friday, then Holy Saturday/Easter Vigil and ending with Easter Sunday. It is my favorite time of year in the church's life. As a cantor I usually get assigned to minister to the Holy Thursday service. It is a privilege and honor to be the leader of sung prayer at Sunday worship but cantoring during the Triduum is a true high point for me.
The gospel verse for Holy Thursday is sung over and over each year. It has a very strong positive yet scary effect on me. Especially when I think about the way I lead my life as a professed Christian. "There is no greater love than to lay down your life for a friend". It is challenging yet that is what Christ did for us.
Over 2000 years ago a man was killed for what he believed and preached.
The Navy and Marine personnel that died this past month were also individuals who were committed to service and were willing to sacrifice their lives if needed.
In both of these situations all the individuals were committed to the values they believed in and lived by. Each individual had a commitment to service and willing to sacrifice their own life in service to others.
In fact these two values have helped me accept and support my son in his choice to serve in the military. Commitment to service may sound pretty simple. On the other hand sacrifice is a scary proposition. When I think about the commitment that Keefe has made I am in awe.
Now mind you I am not saying that war and fighting are ok. Christ ask us to seek peace in the world not war. A peace that can be achieved through loving our neighbor and enemies. So let us go forward this week into Easter joy, reflecting upon our own personal commitment to our faith and how we live that faith in everyday life. Do we truly love our neighbors as ourselves? Are we willing to lay down our life for a friend?Have a blest and holy Triduum and Easter!!
I am happy to report that Keefe will be home soon very soon!! Keep those prayers coming for a safe journey.
Semper Fi!
