“Jesus Hid Himself”

     This week and next we see a major intensification of Lent as we approach its end. This final period of Lent before the Triduum is traditionally called “Passiontide”, as our emphasis shifts from being ‘in the desert’ with Jesus at the beginning of His public ministry, to accompanying Him now on His way to the Passion. 
     You’ll notice that, starting this weekend, the statues and some of the other images in the church are covered. This practice actually comes from the reading that was used at Mass on the 5th Sunday of Lent in the past (but isn’t anymore) namely the end of John chapter 8. The last line of that reading is: “So they took up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple.” 
     In a way, I suppose, it’s meant to remind us that Jesus hid Himself because He was rejected; and it’s a way for us to do penance for all the times we ourselves have rejected Him, and to heighten our senses and our sense of longing for Easter, when the images will be uncovered. 
     These last few days leading up to Easter will be intense, but full of grace if we’re open to the working of the Holy Spirit. We have extra confession times scheduled for the evenings of March 25th and April 1st, and a modified Mass schedule for the Triduum April 2-4. (There will be NO confessions or 5pm Mass on the 4th, but please join us for the Easter Vigil at 8pm.) Let’s pray for each other more intentionally during this time, and especially for those who are preparing to enter the Church at Easter. 
     By now I hope everyone has heard that we are preparing a new photo directory of our parishioners to celebrate our 70th anniversary. The photography sessions will be held at our St. Francis building in late April and the first half of May, and there is no cost to participate. Those who sit for a photo will not only be included in the directory, but will also receive a free copy of the directory when it is published. I see that many of y’all have already signed up — thank you! If you haven’t signed up yet, please do so online or at one of our weekend Masses. Our directory won’t be complete without you.