The Triduum: One Mass ~ Three Days

The Triduum is the holiest time in our Liturgical Calendar. It is the most important part of Salvation History as Christ, in those three days, fulfilled the promise of God when He said He would send a Savior who would reconcile humanity to Himself.

There is but one Mass celebrated over 3 days during the Triduum beginning with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday and ending at the close of the Easter Vigil on Saturday

Our Liturgy reflects our solemn, adoring and anguished spirit. The Mass of the Lord’s Supper” on Holy Thursday does not “end.” There is no “Go forth” or “Thanks be to God.” There is only the procession of Christ to His place of repose and the silent, prayerful adoration of the faithful that stay watch with Him as He endures His Passion (akin to the Apostles as Christ led them to the Garden of Gethsemane to keep watch as He began His Agony in the Garden).

On Good Friday, there is “no Mass.” Again, this is because technically, the Mass from Holy Thursday has not ended.

Finally, on Saturday, we arrive at our Easter Vigil. This special vigil is held after sundown. This is significant because this darkness is indicative of the spiritual darkness we are experiencing as we await the Light of the World.

This vigil does not start with the typical “opening Mass prayers” we’re used to. Instead, the priest blesses a special fire which is typically made of Holy Oils from the previous year, salt, and twigs. This special fire is the first light we see and is symbolic of the Resurrection. This light is what’s used to light our brand new Paschal Candle (the Christ Candle), and after the Candle is lit, the light begins to spread throughout the Church, from member to member, as a flame is passed between individual candles all are given at the opening of Mass.

As this Vigil Mass commences, we finally are able to hear again the priest’s command to “Go Forth” and respond with a jubilant “Thanks be to God!” We acknowledge that the sacred Triduum that marks Christ’s Sacrifice has reached its fulfillment, and we take our charge to “Go Forth” with zeal. We are charged to take the message of Salvation to all people who still “live in darkness.”

So, now you see why there is but one Mass celebrated over these three days.

As these three days recall the three long days of Christ’s consummation by the Fire of His Love, it is our opportunity to offer these three days in solidarity with Him.