UNDERSTANDING HOLY WEEK

From Fr. David

Holy Week is the most important week in the Church year! It is a time when we celebrate in a special way the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. We remember his actions, reflect on his messages, and recommit to living as his disciples in the world today. This guide will help you understand and celebrate Holy Week more fully.  The final week of Lent, Holy Week, begins with Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord and concludes with the Triduum.

Holy Monday to Spy Wednesday

The days between Palm Sunday and Holy Thursday are known as Holy Monday , Holy Tuesday , and Spy Wednesday (Holy Wednesday). The Gospel accounts are not always clear or in agreement on the events which occurred on these days, though there are traditional observances held by some denominations to commemorate certain events from the last days of Jesus' life.

On Holy Monday, some observe the anointing of Jesus at Bethany, an event that in the Gospel of John occurred before the Palm Sunday event described in John 12:12-19. Other events which the Gospels tell of which may have occurred on this day include cursing the fig tree and the Cleansing of the Temple.

It is so easy this time of year to celebrate these days as a historical commemoration. But we are doing far more than recalling historical facts. What Jesus did for us has consequences for all people at all times. His life, death, and resurrection happened to him, but they also happen to all of us who claim to be his follow­ers. These days, then, are a reminder and celebration of who we ourselves are and what our own lives are about.

Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper

The first reading in this service describes the Passover meal. In the second reading, the institution of Eucharist is shared, "this is my Body, which is for you." In the Gospel, Jesus washes the feet of the disciples. This is the service and love of Jesus, which we are asked to share in our lives.

As we celebrate before this service with a meager meal, we are reminded that God always nourishes his people. Jesus fed his followers by multiplying loaves and fishes. Then he fed his apostles at the Last Supper. The good news is that God hasn't stopped nourishing us. We can feast on his Word and on the Eucharist. They are great sources of spiritual energy, great in times of need and excellent for our daily diet. Don't starve yourself, but feed daily on God's gifts. On Holy Thursday, we experience the washing of the feet: Put yourself in the place of the foot-washer: How do you feel washing the feet of others? Put yourself in the place of the disciples: How does it feel to have someone, who means so much to you, wash your feet?
 

As we celebrate the mystery of Jesus' passing, we actually celebrate the same passing over in our own lives. Jesus' self-sacrifice opened the way for us to share in new life. But this does require our own cooperation in God's divine plan of salvation. We must pass over our lives into God's hands and imitate the self-giving of God's Son. This is the way to life. "It is the Passover of the lord".