My Thoughts on 01/04/2021

Today we begin the Triduum. We celebrate the journey with Jesus from death to new life.

Today I remember Mary a young girl who was in primary school in my first parish. She came from a very dysfunctional family. Her father was knocked down and killed by a bus as he stumbled out of a pub at closing time. Her mother found it difficult to care for Mary adequately. Their living conditions at home were totally inadequate. Eventually she went into care.

Some years later I was walking through the church when I came across a woman and young girl. The woman introduced herself as a social worker who was making a visit with the young girl who wanted to revisit the places she remembered as a child. The young girl was Mary. I did not recognise her. She was transformed. She was confident, happy and beautiful. What a difference.

I often think of Mary at this time when we celebrate the transformation that is effected by the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus.

The entrance antiphon for mass this evening is from Saint Paul’s letter to the Galatians.

We should glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
in whom is our salvation, life and resurrection,
through whom we are saved and delivered.