Holy Week, the final and most sacred week of Lent, is a profound and transformative journey in our lives. It invites us to walk with Christ through His Passion, Death, and, ultimately, Resurrection. Beginning on Palm Sunday and culminating with the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night, this sacred week, especially during this jubilee year, calls us to deep introspection, repentance, and spiritual renewal.

As you may know, Holy Week opens with Palm Sunday, when we commemorate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. As He approached the city, crowds gathered to greet Him, waving palm branches and shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Mark 11:9). Palms were blessed and distributed during the liturgy, symbolizing both victory and kingship.

However, Palm Sunday is more than a mere celebration. The same liturgy also includes the Passion narrative, shifting our focus to Christ’s impending suffering. It is a powerful reminder that the road to glory passes through the cross. As we wave our palms and sing hosannas, we’re also invited to ponder the cost of redemption and prepare our hearts for what lies ahead.

One may reflect on: Matthew 21:1–11, Mark 11:1–11, Luke 19:28–40 and John 12:12–19.

Holy Monday to Holy Wednesday are Days of Preparation and Tension

The days between Palm Sunday and the Triduum, Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, and Holy Wednesday, are often quieter regarding liturgical celebrations, but they are rich in spiritual meaning. These are days of silent preparation, where we grow increasingly aware of the tension in the Gospel narrative and are called to reflect on the inner work of the heart.

Holy Monday: Cleansing of the Temple

On Holy Monday, we recall Jesus cleansing the temple, driving out the money changers and restoring the sacred space (Matthew 21:12–17). This bold action speaks to the purification of our hearts. Just as Jesus cleansed the physical temple, He desires to cleanse our lives of distractions and impurity, enabling us to worship in truth and spirit.

Scripture to reflect on: Matthew 21:12–17, John 12:1–11 (the anointing at Bethany)

Holy Tuesday: Confrontation in the Temple

On Holy Tuesday, Jesus speaks powerfully in the temple, engaging in debates with religious leaders and warning against hypocrisy (Matthew 21:23–27, 22:15–46). His words challenge us to examine our lives our attitudes, behaviors, and relationship with God. Are we living according to His truth, or do we, like the Pharisees, stand in judgment of others while neglecting our own hearts? Scripture to reflect on: Matthew 21:23–27, 22:15–46 and John 12:20–36

Holy Wednesday: Spy Wednesday

Holy Wednesday is traditionally known as Spy Wednesday. It marks the day when Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus, agreeing to hand Him over for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14–16). This act of betrayal is a sobering reminder of the potential for betrayal within every human heart. It calls us to humility, vigilance, and self-reflection in our walk with Christ. Are we following Him faithfully, or have we allowed the lure of worldly gain to lead us astray? Scripture to reflect on: Matthew 26:14–16 Luke 22:1–6

A Time to Look Within

As we move through these first days of Holy Week, we are called to slow down and look inward. This journey is not just a historical re-telling of events—it is deeply personal. We must ask ourselves: Are we ready to let Christ cleanse the temple of our hearts? Are we prepared to sit in the tension of His Passion story and allow it to shape our lives?

This sacred time is not merely about remembering what Jesus did—it’s about joining Him on the road to the Cross. Through prayer, Scripture, silence, and the sacraments, we are invited to be transformed.

Having known what makes each day special, let this week not pass us by as a mere routine observance. Let it be a true journey of introspection, a pilgrimage of the heart. When we arrive at Easter morning, may we rise with Christ in the fullness of joy and new life.

Reflection Question:

How are we going to prepare our hearts this Holy Week? What steps can we take to make this journey more meaningful, so that we can experience the transforming power of Christ’s Resurrection?

Have you ever wondered why Catholics celebrate the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross on September 14th? Let us first reflect on the historical facts where in the 14th century, Saint Helena found the Holy Cross in Jerusalem.

In the year 614, the Persians took it as a war trophy. Emperor Heraclius recovered it and brought it back to Jerusalem on September 14, 628.

The wood was divided into parts, sending fragments to Rome, Constantinople, and Jerusalem.

Splinters were distributed to churches all over the world, known as the “relics of the true Cross”.

Photo Credit: Passionist Nuns

The tradition of this day holds great significance in the Catholic Church, symbolizing the triumph of the Cross as a symbol of love, sacrifice, and redemption. Throughout history, the Cross has been a powerful symbol, reminding us of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice and the promise of salvation attained by the Cross the ONLY symbol of Hope among the Holy Cross Congregation International religious in our Spirituality “Ave Crux Spes Unica!” Hail the Cross our Only Hope. Handed to us by our founder Blessed Basil Moreau.

The feast of the Exaltation of the Cross is a time for all of us to reflect on the central tenet of our faith: the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and life over death. The Cross serves as a reminder of the love that God has for humanity, willing to sacrifice His only Son for the forgiveness of sins.

We know for centuries, the Cross has been a symbol of hope and strength for believers around the world. It represents the ultimate act of love and selflessness, inspiring countless individuals to live a life of compassion, forgiveness, and service to others. The feast of the Exaltation of the Cross reminds us of this profound message, calling on Catholics and people of goodwill to emulate the example set by Christ.

In a world filled with challenges, conflicts, and uncertainties, the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross is more relevant than ever. It serves as a beacon of hope in times of darkness, a source of strength in moments of weakness, and a reminder of the power of faith and redemption. As we come together to celebrate this important feast, we are reminded of the enduring message of the Cross: love conquers all.

The feast of the Exaltation of the Cross holds a special place in the hearts of many Christians around the world. It is a time to reflect on the profound significance of the Cross as a symbol of love, sacrifice, and redemption. As we commemorate this important feast, let us remember the enduring message of the Cross may each one of us strive to live their lives in accordance with its teachings. May we embrace the love, hope, and forgiveness that the Cross represents, and let it guide us in our journey toward a life filled with hope, joy, and peace.

The song “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” holds deep meaning and significance of the Cross for me. It reflects on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross and the profound impact it has on believers. The lyrics of course invite us to contemplate the amazing love and grace displayed through Christ’s crucifixion on the Cross, emphasizing the power of the Cross as a symbol of redemption, salvation and hope.

It also invites us to reflect on our own lives in light of Christ’s sacrifice, prompting us to consider the depth of God’s love and the magnitude of His forgiveness. It serves as a reminder of the central tenets of Christianity – love, sacrifice, and faith – and invites us to respond with gratitude, humility, and devotion.

Through its poignant lyrics and moving melody, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” is one song that draws us to meditate on the transformative power of Christ’s death and resurrection. It encourages a deep sense of introspection, repentance, and renewal, leading us to a deeper appreciation of God’s mercy and grace.

“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” for me serves as a powerful expression of faith, gratitude, and reverence toward the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. It continues to resonate with us across generations, inspiring those who value its message to embrace the Cross and live a life guided by love, hope, and faith.

Talents in our lives have history and a spirituality. Let me now call it the spirituality of talents. 1 Peter 4:10-11, tells us that God has given each one of us special talents. He calls them spiritual gifts meant to help others. The challenge is how do we use them.

We are challenged to use them well because in so doing we are taking care of God’s grace in its various forms. If you can speak, do it as if you’re saying exactly what God wants. This is going to help us so much understand how Blessed Carlo is a Saint of hope.

Some of us today feel like maybe we have nothing much to offer, we are not that gifted like the people we see or know, the celebrities we admire, etc.. but we all have something unique and special about us.

Let me begin with the “Parable of the Talents”, in Matthew 25:14–30 which tells us of a master who was leaving his house to travel, and, before leaving, entrusted his property to his servants. Imagine God entrusted each one of us with a talent and gift. According to the abilities of each and so the master did to his servants, one servant received five talents, the second received two, and the third received only one. You know what each one did with their talents.

This parable teaches that God always gives us everything we need to do what he has called us to do and to me, Carlo recognized his talent and purpose in Life. He did not wait to grow up like many of us do to today. He straight away started his mission, beginning with loving his family and enjoying their company in different activities.

We truly know that he loved to pray the rosary and attended daily mass after making his first communion at age seven. What happens today after our children have attained Holy Communion?

Walking Assisi you will see shops with lots of catechising items about the faith of Blessed Carlo Acutis

As you may already know Carlo Acutis, a young Italian teenager who passed away at the age of 15, When he was eleven, Carlo became a catechist, it is said he would read the Holy Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church adding to the Eucharistic Adoration, and books on the faith every day and because of all this I strongly believe He is a model and inspiration for young people today.

His life serves as a powerful example of how to use our talents and abilities to glorify God and make a positive impact on others. I call it making God known loved and served as a Holy Cross Educator. His mother is often quoted saying.

He felt the need to do this to re-activate the faith in people. This makes him more relevant and important to us today. We need to re-activate our faith truly. Carlo wanted to convince people to know that heaven exists, angels exist, the Virgin Mary exists, and demons too exist and we need to resist them and this is only possible through prayer.

He wanted people to understand that we were created for something more. Today we see there is a lack of faith which is incredible says his mother in an interview with Clara (2021) at Holy Heroes, she added; that nowadays we live for the horizontal plane but forget about living for the vertical plane. It’s so touching because she emphasized these same words in her recent Exclusive interview with Chris Stefanick when sharing her sentiments about the good news of the Canonisation of her son. Please check it out on this link

Image extracted for the Golden interview of Chris and the Mother of Blessed Carlo Actutis Saint to be 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

One thing that has greatly inspired me about Carlo is he was known for his deep faith and devotion to the Catholic Church. He used his skills in technology to create a website documenting Eucharistic miracles, spreading the message of faith and love to a global audience.

Despite his young age, Carlo understood the importance of putting God first in all aspects of his life, including his use of technology.

In a world where social media and the internet often promote self-centeredness and materialism, negative journalism, etc.. Carlo’s story challenges young people to consider how they can use their talents for the greater good.

By prioritizing his relationship with God and using his skills to serve others, Carlo exemplified a life of purpose and meaning which all of us need today and our young people need to be guided about it. His story is not all about his upcoming Sainthood it is about a legacy.

Photo Credit: Associazione Amica di Carlo Acutis

Carlo’s legacy teaches us that our talents are gifts from God, meant to be shared and used for His glory. Whether it’s through technology, art, music, or any other form of creativity, young people have the opportunity to make a difference in the world by putting their skills to good use.

One of my former students sent me a text recently reminding me of the words it told her with seriousness and she has found herself having to tell them to her students too and these were the words “ ..imagine your school has actually provided you all the opportunities to identify your strengths and explore your talents but you are here telling me brother I have no talent aren’t you confusing yourself and blocking God’s will in your life and your future opportunities? Your future career may not be in the studies you are taking but the gift He gave you and what happens when you choose to sit on it… go and read the biblical parable of the talents…

Hearing this story this time, I remembered blessed Carlo and what his mother would think about him in all that he was trying to accomplish at his age and now reflecting on it gives us strong points of reference about our faith and how to grow it in these most challenging times.

As young people navigate the challenges of today’s digital age, Carlo Acutis stands as a shining example of how he used his talent for technology responsibly and in service of others. His life reminds us that by putting God first and using our talents for His purposes, we can make a lasting impact on the world around us.

I pray that the world may allow Carlo’s story to inspire a generation of young people and elders who prioritize their faith, use their talents for good, and follow in his footsteps as a model of service and devotion to God. Blessed Carlo Acutis Pray for us!