So, with that in mind here are some thoughts on ways we can make the most of things and still enter into the most sacred time of the year (either as a family, or on your own):
- Commemorate Palm Sunday with a procession around the neighborhood, singing "All Glory, Laud, and Honor". Many of us have blessed palms laying around the house from past years, and while they are more than a bit dry and stiff, I don't see any reason we can't reuse them. This can be done either as a family or by yourself; just remember that the Communion of Saints are singing along with you.
- Veil religious images, especially crucifixes, during Passiontide. If you're a traditionalist, that would begin this Sunday; otherwise, it begins with Palm Sunday.
- On Holy Thursday, re-enact the foot washing within the home, if possible. Especially with frayed nerves and living arrangements that are nearer than usual, find opportunities to serve each other and show those you love that you are in this together.
- Also on Holy Thursday, perform the stripping of the altar: take down the religious images and put them away. Churches won't be removing the Blessed Sacrament from the tabernacle this year, but we can empty our homes and experience the starkness.
- If you aren't under curfew and are feeling up to it, make a Holy Hour, or an all-night vigil, in front of your local parish. While Eucharistic Adoration won't be an option, Christ's presence extends beyond the walls of the church. Whether directly in front of the church doors, from the parking lot, or from your home, you can still watch over our suffering Lord as he endures the agony in the garden.
- On Good Friday, pray the Stations around the house. Designate different rooms or locations in the yard with the 14 stations.
- Recite the Seven Last Words with friends and family over Zoom. Assign each saying to a different person, and invite them to share their reflections and sorrows.
- Read the Passion narrative in the four Gospels. Let yourself be struck by the way Our Lord loves you, and the lengths to which He went to demonstrate His desire to give you fullness of life.
- Don't forget to fast and abstain from meat on Good Friday! As far as I'm aware, neither requirement has been abrogated - and it's going to be that much harder this year, between being at home and the days all flowing together.
- On Holy Saturday, remind yourself that this is the one day that the lack of Mass and the inability to receive the Eucharist is actually normal. Rest for a few hours in being reminded of ordinary life, and the way that living according to the liturgical calendar provides a season for all moments of life - even this one.
- For the Easter Vigil, buy or make a candle to be treated as the Paschal Candle. Turn the lights out and spend some time reflecting on the day that humanity extinguished the Light of the World. Let your heart break with the uncertainty and disappointment the disciples felt, and try to put yourself in the shoes of someone who doesn't already know that the resurrection is about to come.
- Once evening has come and the Vigil has begun: light the candle outside, and come into the dark house. Light candles around the home from that initial flame, and take in the glow of the light of the world spreading as hope comes back into our hearts.
- Celebrate Easter joy by going around the neighborhood proclaiming Christ's resurrection.
- Break out the holy water during the renewal of the baptismal promises - bless the home, yourselves, and each other (reverently, of course; we're not talking about an excuse to have a water fight).
- Pray for all those currently in RCIA who had thought they would be receiving the Sacraments this Easter. Think of how you feel missing the Eucharist, and unite your own sufferings with theirs.
- For Easter Sunday, dress in your Easter best. Visit the church and Jesus if possible.
- Keep the Easter meal simple: feast, but do it in solidarity with all those who are suffering in any way in this time.
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