Easter focus: Christ the Paschal Lamb, not “Paschal ham”

The daily liturgical services of Holy Week (the six-day period preceding Easter called Pascha in the Byzantine tradition) offer us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the drama of Christ’s crucifixion and death so that we may experience more fully the great joy of His Resurrection.

Holy Thursday: The Vesperal Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great commemorates the meal at which Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist. During a second service, The Matins of the Passion, the 12 Gospels are read describing the final events in His life.

Holy Friday: This day’s services recall our Lord’s Crucifixion and Burial. Royal Hours may be served in the morning. Later, Vespers of Entombment is served, concluding with elders carrying the Burial Shroud in procession. The Shroud is placed in a “tomb” for veneration by the faithful. In the evening (or the next morning), Jerusalem Matins is served at which the Dirges (mournful hymns) are sung.

Holy Saturday: This day Jesus rests in the tomb. At the Vesperal Divine Liturgy of St. Basil, the Resurrection is first announced in the Gospel reading.

The Resurrection: Services begin in the dark, at midnight or at dawn outside the church doors. The Shroud is taken from the Tomb and placed on the Altar. Then a light is passed from the Altar to people holding candles, and clergy lead a procession around the church. At the main doors, the priest, for the first time, proclaims: "Christ is Risen!" The people respond: "Truly He is Risen!" The priest knocks thrice on the doors, enters the church and everyone follow for Resurrection Matins and Divine Liturgy.

And, some may ask, “What about the blessing of baskets with food? This may take place on Holy Saturday; but traditionally, food is blessed after the Divine Liturgy. Blessing food is a beautiful cultural practice, but let’s not forget to focus on Jesus, the Paschal Lamb, not the “Paschal ham.”

Take a spiritual challenge before Lent ends

We applaud those who “give it their all” to reach their goals. And, we are proud to achieve our personal best at work, in the gym and at school. Why, then, in our spiritual life, do we often aim to do only the minimum?

Our mind-set might account for this “minimalism.” If we view spiritual challenges, such as those prescribed for Lent — fasting, increased prayer, and almsgiving — merely as acts of self-denial and rules imposed externally by the Church, we diminish our motivation to take them on. More importantly, we miss out on positive benefits.

Spiritual challenges build up our spiritual wellness. This is particularly so when we view them as an opportunity for developing self-mastery. When self-imposed, they can help us mature spiritually, grow closer to God and our neighbours and live our faith more fully. They become an expression of our love for God.

Spiritual strength can bring resilience, better decision-making, improved relationships, and a peace of mind. To achieve these, many turn to therapy, self-help books, courses and many other fixes.

Why not try the spiritual challenge! Lent, when we are called to take stock of our lives, is a good time to start. Start by making a spiritual plan. It can’t be done all at once. Wherever you are in your spiritual development, aim to go just a little bit further. Fast and pray more, both at home and by attending services more frequently, and be more charitable.