How Will it End?
Listening to podcasts has become a relatively new sermon prep practice this year. I realized today that this has been the first year I observed so many different pronunciations of the word “Triduum.” Seriously, I have heard at least 7 versions of a word I have always pronounced “tri-do-um.” I find the sometimes-excessive jargon of the church to be a barrier to many new and even long-time members, but Triduum is just fun to say. Basically, though, the word just refers to the three day period of prayer in which we observe the last night Jesus spent with his friends in which he gave us the Lord’s Supper, the day on which Jesus was crucified and died, and the day on which Jesus rose from the dead, i.e. Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter.
This year will be different from most, as has become normal. But, we will still observe this most important moment in the course of the liturgical year and in the fullness of all time. This weekend is not like any other. The things we will read, pray, and sing (yes, sing!) are the very fabric and foundation of hope. Whatever we can articulate ultimate hope to be finds its root in what God has done in the course of those three days.
A friend and colleague made the point on one of the podcasts I listen to, that the idea of a story or narrative having a happy ending has its roots in Christianity. The Greek stories didn’t end with happy resolution. If you think about it, most movies culminate with difficulty being overcome. The destination is almost always resolution and joy. This is God’s story being told over and over again. The things we will observe through the Triduum are the root of all good promises and the fulfillment of all hope. May God bring us all more deeply into His resurrection story.
We love you and God loves you.