March 25

St. Teresa of Avila told the story of the devil's appearing to her in the guise of the Risen Christ, hoping to tempt her into believing that it was Jesus himself coming to her. Immediately she dismissed him; but before he left her the Evil One asked her how she knew that he was not Christ. St. Teresa answered, “Because you have no wounds.”
The source of Christian joy is Christ's resurrection from the dead. The tomb is empty. His risen body is glorified, but it remains his, bearing the wounds of his passion.
As we enter into Holy Week we remember the passion death and resurrection of our Lord with wonderful liturgies. At the Holy Thursday liturgy the Triduum, the great Three Days that celebrate the central mystery of our faith, begins. Triduum rituals invite us all to baptismal renewal, par excellence. Here are some examples.
Washing of Feet: After the homily on Holy Thursday, we imitate our master in the washing of feet. This ritual reminds us that our baptismal commitment means we are to be servants of one anoth-er. In the time of St. Ambrose in Milan, those who were baptized also had their feet washed, because of Jesus' words to Peter: "Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed" (Jn 13:10). Many scholars have seen a baptismal refer-ence in those words.
Veneration of the Cross: As part of our observance of Good Friday, we venerate the cross on which Christ died. The veneration chal-lenges us to be willing to accept the cross, too, for it is the only way to resurrection. Through Baptism, we shared in Christ's death that we might come to new life. Every year we are called to deepen our identification with his cross and resurrection.
Waters of Baptism: The core of our celebration of the Easter Vigil is the Baptism of the elect. As we share in their joy on this holy night, we are all called to renew our own baptismal promises, to live in the joy of life in the Risen One.
Please note the different times of the Holy Week Liturgies. On be-half of the parish staff and school of St. Bruno and St. Paul, I want to wish you all a blessed Holy Week.
Fr. Dan