We are entering the climax of our Christian existence. Palm Sunday is the first day of Holy Week.
Palm Sunday
Following in the footsteps of Jesus as He made his triumphant entry into the city, one can truly imagine the joy in the hearts of His followers. Experiencing this as a pilgrim, my eyes recorded this joyous event and I stored them deep within my heart.
Why did Jesus ask His disciples to bring Him a colt? This was done to fulfill the prophecy in Zechariah.
Zechariah 9:9 New American Bible (Revised Edition)
In Matthew 21:7-8, the people spread their cloaks over the animals because this was a tradition of the Israelite kingship to reestablish a Davidic line. It’s also important to understand that there were two groups of Jews: the Jews who joined Jesus for His triumphal entry and the Jews who lived in Jerusalem. The Jews who lived in Jerusalem knew very little if anything about Jesus; these were the ones who joined forces with the Romans to demand Jesus’ crucifixion.
Monday
On this day Jesus curses a fig tree for not bearing fruit. What good are we if we are not bearing fruit, or if our fruit is tasteless? As disciples of Jesus, we should always bear good fruit.
Tuesday
The chief priest, scribes and Pharisees form a pack against Jesus and attempt to entrap Him. Jesus ignores their attacks because He is sharing several parables, “The Two Sons,” “The Tenant,” and “The Wedding Feast.” He has much work to accomplish before His Crucifixion.
Wednesday
Jesus is anointed with an expensive jar of perfumed oil. Then He tells His disciples that this act was to prepare Him for His burial.
Holy Thursday, The First Day of Triduum
The word Triduum comes from the Latin meaning three days in preparation for a great feast.
In the Upper Room, Jesus took on the role of a servant and washed the feet of His disciples. Washing the feet is part of the Aaronic priesthood (Ex 30:21).
While they are eating the Last Supper, Jesus announces that one of them will betray Him.
The bread and wine is the institution of the Holy Eucharist.
On Holy Thursday Jesus instituted the priesthood over his apostles at the Last Supper (Mt 26:26-29). This is commemorating the celebration of the first Mass. At every Mass we recall what great sacrifice Jesus did for us by dying on the Cross.
Good Friday, Second Day of Triduum
While Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane, Judas arrives with the chief priest, scribes and elders. Judas has done his dirty deeds and received thirty pieces coins. We know that Judas hanged himself, but before that, he returned the money he received for the betrayal of Jesus to the high priest (Mt 27:3-10). This too was in fulfillment of the prophet Zechariah.
The chief priest requests that a guard be placed at the tomb of Jesus. The guarded tomb is secured and sealed. This was done so that Jesus’ body could not be stolen, allowing His disciples to later claim that He had risen from the dead. These guards were assumed to be Roman soldiers because Jews had no authority to perform an executions (Mt 27:62-66).
Holy Saturday is the great Easter Vigil, this is always an evening service. The church will be in complete darkness – representing the tomb. Fire is lit from outside of the church followed by a procession. The Paschal candle is lit – representing the light and life of Christ. This candle is used throughout the year for celebrating baptisms , First Holy Communion, Confirmation and funerals.
Easter Sunday
As the women who loved our Lord come to anoint His body, they discover an empty tomb. Jesus entrusted the great news of His Resurrection to women! (Luke 24:1-9) Alleluia, Christ the Lord is Risen!
My Prayer
Dear Jesus, as we walk through Holy Week with You may our hearts be filled with sorrow and gratitude for what You have done for us. May we never deny Your existence. Teach us to carry our crosses as You did with great dignity. Lord reveal to us, in the spirit of Simon of Cyrene, to help those whose crosses are to hard to bear. May we come alongside them in prayer. Thank You, Lord, for Your glorious Resurrection! Amen.
