Tenebrae is Latin for darkness or shadows. It is celebrated in the midst of Holy Week with the extinguishing of candles to commemorate the darkness taking over the world as Jesus’ earthly life comes to its close.
The grief in the last supper, and the trial, and the crucifixion are coming. We embrace the feeling of the end of light in order to fully appreciate the resurrection of light and life that is coming on Easter morn.
Tenebrae is celebrated at a time of the clock such that as the candles are extinguished the light of the sun also diminishes and finally disappears. We leave Tenebrae contrite, sad, cast down, but, nevertheless secure in the knowledge that the resurrection is near.
Beyond its function in the liturgical year, Tenebrae is a model for us all as we deal with our darkest moments. Before and beyond the tomb, Jesus is with us.