Face to Face with the Holy One

When we reflect on Hoy Week, there are many striking images that may come into our mind. The Hosannas to the Savior, who meekly rides the colt into the Holy City of Jerusalem with palms and cloaks spread before Him. The solemn tones of Tenebrae that echo words of the prophets, the Lamentations of Jeremiah and the words of the Passion. Perhaps it is the Mass in Coena Domini (of the Lord’s Supper) and the procession with the Blessed Sacrament to the Altar of Repose. The solemn and beautiful Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday. Mass is not celebrated that day, but we do kneel before His crucified image remembering His agonizing yet life-giving death, and then receive Him in Holy Communion. The blessing of Easter food on Holy Saturday morning with its rich colors, smells and flavors. The mother of all vigils on Holy Saturday evening with the lighting and blessing of the Easter fire, the procession with the Paschal candle into a darkened church, the singing of the Exultet and the glorious Mass offered.

Whatever memory fills your mind, remember this—in all of it you are face to face with the Holy One—Jesus Christ our Savior.

In Psalm 27:8-9 we hear this prayer:

Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud

be gracious to me and answer me!

You have said, “Seek my face.”

My heart says to you,

“Your face, Lord, do I seek.”

Hide not your face from me.

During this sacred week, let us seek the face of Christ. Let us take time to contemplate His Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist and see the beauty of His countenance there. Let us seek His face presented to us in the Sacred Scriptures so marred and bruised by the sins of people and the lack of love in the world. Let us see the face of Our Lord in each other and especially those who suffer from material, emotional or spiritual poverty.

In these holy days let us then see the merciful face of Jesus Our Savior looking at us and healing us by His love!

Dear friends, be assured of my prayers for a Blessed Holy Week and Easter!

Most Reverend William J. Waltersheid

Auxiliary Bishop of Pittsburgh