From a Facebook note written by ShutterTot's mom last April 8:
Holy Week began last Sunday. While waiting for the mass to start, ShutterTot observed that all images of Jesus were draped with purple cloth.
She asked, "why is Papa Jesus covered?"
Again, I was confronted by a three-year old with a question I'm not ready to answer. Really, how do I explain Holy Week to somebody who has a vague concept of yesterday, today and tomorrow? How do I explain Christ's death and resurrection? What will she say if she finds out that a huge part of it includes suffering with blood, sweat and tears?
It was pointless to keep it from her anyway. The images were all over the Church: statues of Christ with wounds from a crown of thorns, framed photos of Christ being whipped by Roman soldiers. She asked what those images were and why they depict "Papa Jesus" that way.
I cannot think of a better way to do it than to tell her that Jesus is covered because we have to remember His death on the cross. However, she pointed to the glass coffin where the statue of Jesus was laid. It was also veiled with purple cloth.
"Why even that?" she asked.
I said that it was all about remembering what happened. Jesus is alive in heaven and is watching her. Right now, Jesus is suffering because he is being "spanked" by Roman soldiers.
"I'm angry at Roman soldiers," she replied.
I explained that she does not have to be angry. Jesus bravely went through everything because He loves her.
When the mass ended, I suggested that she ask the priest her question. Fr. Benny, who gives one of the best homilies in town, must have a better answer.
She usually lets me carry her when we kiss the priest's hand. But she didn't. She ran as she called "Father! Father!" And quite bashfully asked him why Papa Jesus is covered.
Thankfully, the priest mentioned something similar to what I told her. He reassured her too that the drapes will be removed by next week. Easter.
Again, thankfully, we have already painted Easter eggs (due to Barney's Everyone is Special DVD). So more or less, she got it.
Photo taken by ShutterTot on Maundy Thursday.
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