Cascading Graces

When I was much younger, I was carted off to Allentown's Cathedral on Holy Thursday Morning to "see" the Mass of the Oils. It was impressive with many priests, lots of ceremony and music. The bishop was funny and the Cathedral was full. I should have had a better breakfast though; I fainted (just a little). I was happy nobody noticed. On the way home we chattered about Holy Week services and how it really was "cool" to be picked to serve the "big" ceremonies. We all agreed there was just something about those (these) three days for Catholics.
That was quite a few years ago and these three days still seem to step out of the regular measure of time. These "high holydays" for Catholics blend into a single event that stretches from Mass on Holy Thursday through the Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday where everything seems new and shiney about being a Catholic.
These days can be a workout for the priests and parishoners who participate in the prayers and devotions. People come "home" for Easter and its good to see friends who are raising families with kids the same ages we were once. The entheusiasm of the kids about Church hasn't changed too much. The entheusiasm of parents of the kids about growing in Faith is even more steadfast. I'm edified, even amazed, that the people I know (and some I've known since kindergarden) have grown into good parents. Some have had tough lives and others have weathered tragic events yet are good, generous, grateful and faithful friends.
So much has changed, but the friends are more precious because of that. Growing older brings me a greater appreciation of the aches and pains my grandparents complained about but it also brings a fondness for good friends, and their good example, for good families and their fidelity. That's not about aging it's maturing. And these three days give me the occasion to carve out a chunk of time to look to my life and see the wonders within and give thanks to God for things I never deserved. Faithful friends come to mind and somehow good parish priests sparkle with a special light and point me to God who calls me friend too.