This time last year, I posted about One Danger of Holy Week (03-04-2012).

As much as I ever like anything that I write, I “like” this post, because it was a very real struggle and situation last year. Not that I found it hard. But, for a short time, I found it hard to explain.

If that post describes where anyone is, don’t be afraid to be a bit different, a bit more contemplative, a bit more in joy even through the suffering of Jesus. Don’t be afraid. In general, putting meditation at the service of contemplation is recommended by the Doctors of the Church. If that happens to one at Holy Week, when we might be inclined or asked to participate in many difficult meditations, the same rules apply: contemplation, contemplative love, is the better part if that is where we are taken.

Does this application to Holy Week have any weight other than just me? At least some! Little Marcel Văn, in his Conversations with Jesus, records that Jesus “says”, as Holy Week approaches,

Recently it seems that you are more tired than sad. However, you have nothing to fear: normally during this season one is easily fatigued. (437)

And:

My dear little brother, in these days when Holy Church recalls all the sufferings endured by Jesus in the past, try hard to console the heart of little Jesus in hiding from him your own sadness and avoid reminding him of the memory of these sad days. (391)

And on Holy Saturday:

Little brother, who has asked you to cry over my crucifixion? It is another instance of meddling in my business. Your role is not to have pity on me but simply to love me.

In other words, mental work is not required; it may be good but it is not required; what is required is love. And through it all, whatever the “all” may be, joy should exist abundantly in Holy Week, because Jesus is being glorified and changing sadness into joy. We can follow him on that journey! It may outwardly appear unusual. But if it is appropriate to our state, it is beautiful in Christ.