Normally today is one of my favorite days of the year! Today, usually, we have the Chrism Mass, where not only does the Bishop consecrate the sacred oils that I use in my priesthood, but also it is the day when, we the priests celebrate our priesthood by renewing our priestly promises before the Bishop. In the evening, I love the Mass of the Lord Supper. At every Mass we celebrate anew the mystery of Christ's gift of the Eucharist, but on this night in particular we celebrate the anniversary of the night that Christ gave us this wonderful sacrament. Then we, usually, follow it up with the tradition of spending extra time with Christ in adoration of his eucharistic presence by having altars set up called altars of repose. They represent the moment Christ led his apostles into the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. We hear Jesus say to us, like he said to them, "could you not stay with me one hour" and "get up and pray that this trial pass you by." I, ordinarily, would have visited 7 different churches to see their altars of repose and to pray in their gardens with Jesus. Normally, Usually, Ordinarily... but there is nothing normal, usual or ordinary about these sacred days. Yes we will have to enter into these days differently than we are accustomed to... but never the less, they are no less sacred, no less mystical, no less important. AND SO, I thank God for the differences this Holy Week, I thank Him for the opportunity to look at these days anew, with new eyes, a new mind, and hopefully a renewed reverence and awe. To help me enter into today specifically.. I will prayerfully look at the John chapter 14-17... the farewell discourse. Jesus' final instructions to His apostles... I will also spend an hour with Jesus, in the garden of my heart, to stay awake with Him in His agony and to pray specifically for each and every single one of you and your intentions.