Holy Thursday

Welcome to the Triduum! Tonight, in Catholic churches around the globe, The Mass of the Lord's Supper will be celebrated. This is a biggie because the establishment of the Liturgy of the Eucharist, celebrated in every Catholic Mass, is commemorated tonight. There is also a part of the Mass that reenacts Christ washing the disciple's feet. This commemorates the institution of the priesthood - the Apostles became the first priests - going out to serve others and bring Christ's good news.

Around 6:30 this morning I was reminded that there is a grace in offering for others, as Jesus did for the disciples. Having about 5 hours of good sleep, my door burst open and a tiny figure proclaimed, "wake up mom, I'm FIVE!". Remember what I said about God being kind enough to allow all these opportunities? Yep.

The tiny one was completely right, he is five today. It's a wonderful, fest-worthy, exciting day. So, sleep or not, I chatted with him about his birthday food wishes then got up, got dressed, and got to work.

He requested waffles for breakfast and pagach for lunch. I was already making paska for the basket on Saturday so, sure, I will stand in this kitchen and cook for the next 5 hours. It's a good thing and it's service to my family and the birthday boy.

This "for others" may be catching because, along with mimicking my short temper on occasion and other unsavory traits, all the sibs lined up with their "gifts" for little one. Score one for positive modeling!

This is our life. Birthdays that fall on some of the biggest days in the Church calendar. I'm sure God had that worked out but sometimes it leaves me wondering what is the right path. Then I remember that while it's good to go and celebrate, with other Catholics, the institution of our faith and walk with Christ in His passion, I also know that we are human and we are limited.

Like just now when it became clear that #2 has a very wicked headcold. #3 is closing in fast. We had Mass and church visits planned, but it's more likely that we will be at home trying to heal and rest for Good Friday and Easter. One of the sick also serves and there is an order to things. Visiting churches all night is meaningful but not snuffling all over the people who are venerating the Cross is also a plus ;0)

Life is a path that has overwhelming goodness and many, many moments of trial. God is present in all of them and when we stop to recognize His presence, the grace is there. Today, He will be present in our family and our precious baby, not in churches we visit. It's important to recognize when we make the plan and when God changes it. It's good to see Him in places other than the ones we had planned.

So, Happy Holy Thursday and Happy Birthday. We are so very blessed.

May God bless you on your birthday and always, little one.