Take a walk with me through Holy Week.
Palm Sunday
Twenty-six years ago, I stood on the Mount of Olives and experienced a Palm Sunday I will never forget. In 2000 during my very first trip to the Holy Land, our group followed the same path into the Old City that Jesus took for His triumphal entry. I can still hear the drums and flutes, and the echoes of “Hosanna In The Highest” as we walked. It was a moment of pure jubilation that I’ve replayed in my mind a thousand times since. Feeling so grateful for that “God ordained” journey today.
Jesus’ Humble Entry
Jesus must fulfill Zechariah’s prophecy by entering into the city on a donkey.
The King’s Entry into Jerusalem
9 Exult greatly, O daughter Zion!
Shout for joy, O daughter Jerusalem!
Behold: your king is coming to you,
a just savior is he,
Humble, and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Palm Branches
Sunday morning at Mass we all received blessed palm branches. Many of the parishioners will weave the branches into crosses, but because these branches are blessed they should not be thrown in the trash. You can burn them or return them to the church, where they will be incinerated and used for the next Ash Wednesday service.
Monday of Holy Week
On this day, Jesus entered the temple and was enraged with the merchants, who were charging inflated rates and robbing Gentiles of the opportunity to pray and worship.
Tuesday of Holy Week
After a busy day of calling out the Pharisees (Matthew 23:13-35) and preaching on the Mount of Olives that evening, Jesus and his disciples walked to Bethany to stay the night. Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive spikenard oil. Some of disciples were frustrated because they believed that this expensive oil could have been sold and the money used to give to the poor. Jesus understood the love and care Mary displayed and greatly appreciated her devotion.
Wednesday of Holy Week
Wednesday of Holy Week is also referred to as spy Wednesday. Judas Iscariot spies on Jesus because he is secretly going to have Him arrested.
Holy Thursday
Holy Thursday is the first day of Triduum. Triduum means a period of three days. These three days are the most important days in the Christian liturgical year. On this day the Lord’s Supper took place, Jesus instituted the Sacrament of the Eucharist and He washed the feet of His disciples.
Good Friday
Why do we refer to this dreadful day as Good Friday? Jesus, with His suffering and sacrifices, saved us from our sins. Though this was a tragic day, it will always be known as one of the greatest days in history. (Luke 23: 1-24)
There is no Mass on this day but some churches offer a service observing the Stations of the Cross. If possible observe a quiet time between twelve and three p.m. in remembrance of what our Lord endured for us.
Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday is a day to prepare for Easter. There is no morning Mass offered; it all takes place at night at the first Celebration of the Easter Vigil Mass. Each parish celebrates in its own way. The church is completely dark. The priest walks in with one candle. The Paschal candle is lit symbolizing Jesus is the light. The catechumens who have been preparing for their initiation into the Catholic church will walk in holding a single candle representing Jesus’ resurrection.
Easter Sunday
He is Risen!
My Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, let us feel the emptiness of the church on Good Friday – no Mass celebration because we need to go deeper into the suffering You endured. Restore in each of us a new joy for Your glorious resurrection. May the catechumens be forever changed. Lord, show a glimpse of what is to come. Let Your holy light be seen throughout the world. Amen.
