Mutual Respect. That a culture of dialogue, listening, and mutual respect may prevail among peoples.
New Evangelization. That where secularization is strongest, Christian communities may effectively promote a new evangelization.

Administrators of Justice. That administrators of justice may act always with integrity and right conscience.
Seminaries. That seminaries, especially those of mission churches, may form pastors after the Heart of Christ, fully dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel.

As the weekend of Easter celebrations has drawn to a close, I have more time now to reflect in peace on the Triduum, read commentaries and blogs about liturgies near and far. In past years, I have found this to be a boon to both preparation for Easter and contemplation afterwards. From time to time, I find a homily-inspiring reflection that helps clarify God’s movement for me or for those to whom I minister.

This year, particularly this Triduum, has been different.

Pope Francis made waves on the first celebration of the Triduum – Holy Thursday – when he broke custom to celebrate the Mass of the Lord’s Supper in the unconvention location of a prison. He went further and elected to include among those whose feet he washed non-Catholics and women.

At least in the United States, this portion of the Holy Thursday Mass – mandatum (from the phrase “Mandatum novum do vobis ut diligatis invicem sicut dilexi vos” (“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you”) – has always been a particular point of contention. The law of the Church specifically calls for those who feet will be washed by the priest to be adult men. In a world embroiled with disparate understanding of ‘equality’, this has often caused consternation and dissension.

The reality is that the pope – though no one else – is permitted to interpret this law as he sees fit. Jimmy Akin has an excellent explanation, as well as links to excellent commentaries on the law and Pope Francis’ choice this Holy Thursday.

For myself, I am of the mind that what I think doesn’t matter. It is enough to know that the Pope has not done anything he isn’t permitted to do. I even look forward to hearing – from him, not pundits – how he will explain his choice to celebrate the rite as he has.

The real problem is in the reactions of Catholics – from both self-identified ‘liberals’ and self-identified ‘conservatives’. One side is announcing the end of outdated tradition and rejoicing in a pope who they see as pastoral, while simultaneously denigrating previous popes and the traditions they practiced. The other side is bemoaning what they perceive as the end of reforms of liturgical abuses, abandonment of traditional practices, while simultaneously denigrating the current pope and the liberal agenda they now ascribe to him.

It’s awful. It’s discouraging. It’s lonely.

It’s been just over 24 hours since the Easter vigil, and I find that the Easter joy that is usually pervasive throughout the season is overshadowed by the pettiness of my fellow Catholics – pettiness that I myself am having difficulty resisting. It is awfully lonely trying to focus on Christ & His saving work when it seems that so many of my brothers and sisters are fighting – and want me to take a side too.

I know that this is mostly an illusion, blown out of proportion at the encouragement of the Devil – who would like us all to forget that Christ died for our sins, preferring us to squabble amongst ourselves all the way to the gates of Hell!

And this isn’t to say that the issues around all this aren’t worthy of reflection! But as we read and discuss what it means – and what Pope Francis is trying to teach us – may we not forget that we are One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church! If Satan and the gates of Hell can’t prevail against it, what do we have to worry about apart from our own faithfulness to Christ?

So be peaceful – Christ is risen! Salvation has been won for us – and for the whole world! Christ died so that might never know the loneliness of sin & despair again; may we support each other in remembering Jesus’ saving love for us, so that even as we discuss and debate, we may have a happy and blessed Easter.