Thoughts About Holy Week

Today Christians all over the world are celebrating Maundy Thursday, the day that begins the commemoration of the betrayal, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. The name Maundy Thursday comes from the Latin mandatum – Jesus’ mandate in John 13:34 “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).

This season of the year, which includes Easter, Passover and Earth Day, has also seen some of humanity’s worst offenses, such as the Columbine Shootings and the Oklahoma City Bombing. In the wake of the recent tragedies in Binghamton, New York, where 13 people were killed in a shooting at the American Civic Association Building, and this week’s earthquake in the Italian region of Abruzzo that killed nearly 300 people, the mandatum of Maundy Thursday becomes even more important.

As we move from betrayal to death and finally to the promise of new life, may God’s love be our companion on the journey. Take time to tell family and friends that you love them; make an effort to heal relationships, and look for ways to help others who are not as fortunate. And remember the sacrifice and redemption that we celebrate this week.

And if you are in Rochester, please join me at one or all of the worship services at Third Presbyterian Church on East Avenue.

Thursday, April 9 at 7:00 pm
Tenebrae (Service of Darkness) is an ancient tradition observing the darkness of Christ’s passion and death before the celebration the resurrection

Friday, April 10 at 12:10 pm
Good Friday Liturgy in the Chapel

Sunday, April 12 at 9:00 and 11:00 am
Festival Easter Worship Service with choirs, brass and bells

New Zealand Puppy Update

You may recall that, when I visited New Zealand, my friends Frances and Victor had just become the proud "grandparents" of Willie and Hank, two dachsund puppies. They were just a week old when Mom and I arrived in Christchurch on March 1, and when we left on March 6 they were just starting to open their eyes. Here the are (left) on March 2, enjoying a nap after a big meal.

Here they are today, a little over a month old and still cute and cuddly!

With Heart and Voice host recognized by Vatican

WXXI’s Richard Gladwell was awarded the prestigious Benemerente Medal this afternoon by Rochester Bishop Matthew Clark, at a special concert in Mr. Gladwell’s honor. The Benemerenti Medal is one of the Vatican’s highest honors to the laity, and is conferred by the Holy See on those who have exhibited long and exceptional service to their community.

The concert included performances by choirs from Sacred Heart Cathedral, St. Anne Church in Rochester, St. Paul’s Church in Webster and St. Louis Church in Pittsford. Organists John Morabito, Stephanie Honz and Rudy DeVos also performed, and singers from the audience joined the choirs to sing a musical blessing of Richard, “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” by Peter Lutkin.