| When I arrived at 6:30 this morning, the preparation of
the Repository was well under way. I helped carry in flowers and help
set up the votive stands before going down to the Crypt for the hours.
Psalm 119 is divided among Prime, Terce, Sext, and None with Psalm 51 at the end of each hour. With the hymns, chapters, and responsories removed, it takes about half an hour to monotone through the four offices together. The collect at the end of each hour joins Psalm 51 and the antiphon, "Christ for our sake became obedient unto death," as another piece that anchors the days of the Triduum: Almighty God, we beseech thee graciously to behold this thy family, for which our Lord Jesus Christ was contented to be betrayed, and given up into the hands of wicked men, and to suffer death upon the cross… I never stop being moved by the phrase "contented to be betrayed." There is something particularly heart-rending about the word "contented." For the afternoon, the mighty labors continue. Folks made good progress
yesterday in setting up the Altar of the Maundy in the Parish Hall and
the Repository set up is ahead of schedule, so it looks as if a couple
of us may be able to look in at the Cathedral to see what Dean Giles
is putting on for what the Diocese now calls "The Bishop's Mass." |
Preparing the Altar of Repose. |
