Holy Week

The first day of Holy Week is Palm Sunday, commemorating Jesus’ humble entry (on a donkey) into Jerusalem to observe Passover. According to the Gospel accounts, he was welcomed by crowds who spread their cloaks, laid palm leaves in his path, and proclaimed him Son of David. (Matthew 21:5). We commemorate Palm Sunday in numerous Christian churches through the blessing and procession of palms.

Matthew 21:5

King James Version

5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.

 

According to our faith, Christians commemorate the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and Resurrection during Holy Week. The week includes five days of particular significance, including Masses, Stations of the Cross, and other remembrances. 

Maundy Thursday marks Jesus’ institution at the Last Supper of the Eucharist, after that, a central element of Christian worship. In our tradition, Maundy Thursday is a time for the priest to wash the feet of 12 humble or poor individuals, symbolizing Jesus’ act of washing the feet of his 12 disciples at the Last Supper.

Good Friday commemorates Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross, traditionally a day of sorrow, penance, and fasting. 

Holy Saturday, also called Easter Vigil, is the traditional end of Lent. 

Easter Sunday is the celebration of Jesus’ Resurrection, which, according to the Gospels, was on the third day after his crucifixion. Modern Easter celebrations, like Christmas, have become associated with various folk traditions with little connection with the religious festival. They include the Easter lamb, the Easter rabbit, and the painting of Easter eggs. They are a time of celebration of Christ’s triumph over death, including all of us.

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Below is a timeline of Holy Week, also known as the Passion Week of Jesus Christ, which spans Palm Sunday to Resurrection Sunday. These days hold deep significance for Christians worldwide. They reflect on the events leading to the crucifixion and celebrate the resurrection, which is the core of the Christian faith.

Palm Sunday:

Meaning: Commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

Importance: The fulfillment of prophecy marks the beginning and end of Jesus’ earthly ministry.

Bible Verses: Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, John 12:12-19.

Monday of Holy Week:

Meaning: Jesus’ clearing of the Temple.

Importance: Emphasize the purity and sanctity of God’s house.

Bible Verses: Matthew 21:12-17, Mark 11:15-19, Luke 19:45-48.

Tuesday of Holy Week:

Meaning: Teaching and parables, including the Olivet Discourse.

Importance: Jesus prepared His disciples for what was to come.

Bible Verses: Matthew 21:23-26:5; Mark 11:20-13:37; Luke 20:1-21:36.

Wednesday of Holy Week (Spy Wednesday):

Meaning: Judas’ agreement to betray Jesus.

Importance: The turning point towards Jesus’ arrest.

Bible Verses: Matthew 26:14-16, Mark 14:10-11, Luke 22:1-6.

Maundy Thursday:

Meaning: The events include the Last Supper, washing the disciples’ feet, and the institution of the Lord’s Supper.

Importance: Establishes the sacrament of communion.

Bible Verses: Matthew 26:17-30, Mark 14:12-26, Luke 22:7-39, John 13:1-17:26.

Good Friday:

Meaning: Crucifixion and death of Jesus.

Importance: Atonement for sins through Jesus’ sacrifice.

Bible Verses: Matthew 27:1-61, Mark 15:1-47, Luke 23:1-56, John 18:28-19:42.

Holy Saturday (Black Saturday):

Meaning: Jesus’ body in the tomb.

Importance: Take the time to reflect and be patient.

Bible Verses: Matthew 27:62-66.

Easter Sunday:

Meaning: Resurrection of Jesus.

Importance: Victory over sin and death is the Christian faith’s foundation.

Bible Verses: Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-18.