Passion Sunday - Rector's Rambling for March 13, 2016

As you may have noticed, the crosses on the altars and around the church are now veiled.  Although most Episcopal churches follow the modern Roman Catholic form for veiling the crosses on all the Sundays of Lent, we keep to the old tradition of doing so from Passion Sunday onwards.  Dr. Taylor Marshall, a former Episcopal priest writes on his blog Canterbury Tales, “In the old days, Passion Sunday (5th Sunday) ‘ramped up’ the Lenten season.  Passion Sunday (also called Judica Sunday from the opening Introit) is the traditional day for veiling the crucifixes and statues in the churches.  The practice allegedly derives from Bavaria (though I’d love for someone more knowledgeable to shed light on the origin of this custom).  The crosses and images remain veiled and add to the dramatic effect of the Paschal Vigil when they are unveiled for the glory and wonder of our Lord’s resurrection.  The famous medieval triptychs that opened and closed were constructed for the purpose of closing them for this season.”

I cannot stress strongly enough how important it is for us ALL to enter deeper yet into our Lenten observances.  Now is the time to make the PUSH to finish strong.  Last chance for Stations of the Cross is this Friday.  Our last Thursday Lenten Instructive Service and Soup Supper is this Thursday.  The following week, Holy Week, has its own particular and wonderful liturgies to be observed.  Make the extra effort this week!