Take tonight, for example. My sister, my roommate, and I met up for dinner at a local Mediterranean establishment (mmm...falafel...) before heading to Church for their Tenebrae service.
What is Tenebrae? You've never heard of it before?
Don't worry - I didn't know about it until a few weeks ago when I saw the ad in the Church bulletin. Here's a basic rundown (as read on the parish website):
Tenebrae is the Latin word for shadows or darkness. This liturgy is filled with the singing of Psalms and the proclamation of Scripture. The liturgy helps to set the tone for the coming three days of the Triduum. Seven candles are lit in the church. The candles are gradually extinguished throughout the liturgy until the church is plunged into darkness and a thunderous noise envelops the space. One candle finally returns to the church thereby bringing peace and illumination, symbolizing the continual light of Christ.
I liken it to Lenten Lessons and Carols. The choir's chanting was incredibly beautiful, adding to an already solemn and grace-filled liturgy.
And the part that made my flesh literally crawl with goosebumps was when the final chant was sung, the lights in the Church were extinguished, and the congregation rapped (rather loudly) on the pews until the lit Easter candle was brought back to the altar of the Church. (I did not see that coming...and it was awesome.)
As the Triduum begins tomorrow with Holy Thursday, I am kind of bummed I will not be able to attend Mass for the celebration of the Last Supper and the washing of the feet, but that's what happens when you travel home for the holidays. And home is the place I am greatly looking forward to return this weekend...
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