It is quiet as a tomb this week at St. Anthony’s. Our offices are closed all week, most of the staff took the week off, and the few that were here early in the week are gone now. Even a couple of the residents took advantage of the quiet week to get away for a bit, knowing they would not be needed to help out.

Holy Week is typically quiet here. Seldom are any guests scheduled to visit this week. That is why it is a popular time for everyone here to get away for a bit, spend time with family and friends, and recharge their batteries for the weeks to come.

The quiet is also welcome to give each of us time to ponder, reflect on and immerse ourselves in the events of Holy Week. In that way, we are blessed to have a quiet week where we can focus on entering into the stories of this week that are so central to our faith. When our focus does not need to be on serving guests, we are better able to focus on walking the journey of Jesus’ last days with him, which may make it easier for us to recognize Jesus walking with each of us on our journeys.

For the blessings of quiet, for down time to ponder and reflect, and for the opportunity to journey with Jesus, we say Deo Gratias! And a very blessed Easter season to you!