MONDAY OF HOLY WEEK : 8 AM MASS; 11 AM CONFESSIONS; 2 PM FUNERAL SERVICE; ON MY PASTORAL SCHEDULE TODAY...........

On this Monday of Holy Week, having heard one of Isaiah's Suffering Servant Songs proclaimed at Mass yesterday, Is. 50:1-4; today's First Reading is another of the Suffering Servant Songs, Isaiah 42:1-7; which distinctively echoes in its summation, the Gospel Proclamation of the Chrism Mass, speaking of how the Lord Jesus, like the Suffering Servant, is anointed, to bring God's Justice and Compassion to all peoples.  Monday of Holy Week for me will be a three fold day of liturgical and sacramental events, in addition to administrative activity.  I will preside at the 8 am Mass; then after breakfast and desk work, hear Confessions from 11 am -12 noon;  then at 2 pm, officiate over a Funeral Memorial Service, at the North Sacramento Funeral Home.  I also hope to have a follow-up telephone conversation with my physical therapist, Quinn McArthur, about starting our twice weekly sessions, targeting next week as the resumption point.  Then this evening, beginning to prepare the Homilies for Holy Thursday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday, are on my docket.  As you embrace the second day of this most sacred week in the hisatory of humankind.  Take time to read and reflect on the Word of God, in Isaiah 42:17; and Isaiah 50:1-4.  What message do they hold for you, me, and all people in regards to the suffering we endure and the sins we have committed; and the self sacrifice of the most outstanding of Suffering Servants, Jesus The Christ, the Saving Son of God, Whose Paschal Mystery, we Remember and give Give Renewed Life To During This Holy Week...........Fr.  Troy