The word triduum comes from the Latin “triduum,” meaning three days. This week, Catholics celebrate the Easter Triduum, the heart of our faith. We accompany Jesus in commemorating the mystery of his passion, death, and resurrection. It is a time for deep reflection and personal renewal.

In this regard, a few months ago I wrote an article titled “Memento Mori” in which I commented that each of us has an expiration date regardless of our chronological age. With that in mind, I would like to share with you a brief personal story about our journey and transition on this earth.

Due to life’s unexpected turns, Jessica and I were fortunate enough to meet a young priest (a few years older than us) 23 years ago. He supported us through Jessica’s illness while she was pregnant with our eldest daughter, Mariana. He taught us to pray more deeply, to listen more attentively, to trust, and to have greater faith in the Lord. He also guided us to consider the crucial question: Why do these things happen? Among many other things, we forged a strong friendship. He later baptized Mariana, and also my second daughter, Fatima. In another twist of fate, she was born on August 15th, and I remember Father JP jokingly telling us she should be named Asunta instead of Fatima. He was also present and administered the last rites to Jessica’s brother, Tico, and to her father, Don Manuel, before they passed away. And a few weeks ago we learned that Father JP is very ill and most likely will soon go to meet Jesus.

That is why I wish to share the personal lessons I have learned from this story in case they may be of some reflection to you; some are obvious, but worth mentioning:

• Good friends are with you especially in storms and difficulties; but also in joyful and happy times.
• All or most people will go through the ordeal of illness and then death.
• At the end of our lives, we will be remembered for the love we have shown in our family, friends, and even work environments.
• Let’s focus on the present and live it with vigor, through sincere conversations and listening, giving thanks, apologizing or forgiving, positively impacting everyone you meet, whether a family member, a friend, or a co-worker.
• Let us leave the future in God’s hands and prepare ourselves for that promised life.
• Finally, when faced with the departure of a loved one, let us not confuse love with selfishness (out of fear of pain).

To conclude this reflection, I share a fragment of the poem “I live, without living in myself” by Saint Teresa of Ávila; “Let sweet death come now, let dying very lightly come, for I die because I do not die”

I wish you a few days of rest and reflection, and that next Sunday you have a happy Easter.

You and I still have time to think, speak, and act consistently and with integrity. Only in this way can we contribute to a better world. Remember, and keep in mind, let’s keep rowing hard against the current and out to sea!