Okay, if you’ve ever sat in Holy Week Mass and thought, “How does all this incense, foot washing, and candle-holding apply to my real-life marriage issues?” … then this episode of Marriage Unhindered is going to resonate. 🎧💒
Doug Hinderer sits down with Catholic marriage experts Jim and Maureen Otremba (married 29 years) to chat about how the Easter Triduum is basically a holy masterclass in how to love your spouse like Jesus. ✝️❤️
You can check out the whole hour here.
💡Big Takeaways on the Triduum
Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil aren’t three separate liturgies… they’re one epic, love-packed prayer.
That unity is a reminder that you can’t separate the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, just like you can’t separate the good, the bad, and the “ugh” moments in marriage.
If your marriage feels like it’s in a tomb, don’t despair… God’s already working on the resurrection. 💀➡️🌱
1. Unconditional Love… Even When They’re Difficult to Love
On Holy Thursday, Jesus washed Judas’ feet. Yes, that Judas.
That means: Even when your spouse is driving you bananas or acting like a passive-aggressive martyr, you’re still called to serve them lovingly.
(But also: You can’t do this without grace. So, stop trying to muscle through it solo.)
2. Foot Washing Is a Blueprint
It’s not just about clean feet. It’s about humble service.
Your version might look like folding laundry, emptying the dishwasher, or resisting the urge to complain when they leave crumbs on the counter again. 🍞😤
Acts of love > declarations of love. So yeah, actions speak holier than words.
3. Jesus Didn’t Fire the Apostles. He Commissioned Them.
Even after they ran away during His darkest hour, Jesus didn’t cut them loose.
In marriage, we screw up. We fall short. But God doesn’t toss us aside. He reinvests in us.
Same goes for your spouse. Even if things are rough, God wants to use you both as vessels of love and healing.
4. If It’s Hard to Talk About, It’s Probably Time to Talk About It
That thing you’re avoiding in your marriage? Yeah, that thing?
It’s likely the exact spot where Jesus wants to bring healing and renewal.
If you’re stuck, call in a good Catholic therapist. Even saints need counseling sometimes.
🔥“So what do I do with this?” Action Steps:
📖 Can’t make it to the Vigil? Read the readings. The liturgy is still yours.
🧎♀️ Serve your spouse this week… even if they’re acting like a grump.
🙏 Pray this when things feel dead: “Jesus, through your life, death, and resurrection, I believe you can resurrect this moment too.”
🕯️ Show up to the Triduum liturgies if you can. You’re stepping into the mystery that saves your marriage.
❤️ Final Message:
Your marriage is a sacramental sign of Christ’s love. That means the Triduum isn’t just a church event… it’s the blueprint for how you love each other when things are good, bad, or downright crucifixion-level painful.
So go ahead: resurrect your love. Because with God? The tomb is never the end. 🌄💒
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