Holy Week

Another Holy Week is upon us.

“Holy Week, in the Christian church, the week between Palm Sunday and Easter, observed with special solemnity as a time of devotion to the Passion of Jesus Christ.” This secular excerpt was drawn from the online Encyclopedia Brittanica.

Holy week to Christians around the world is the last week of Lent and a most solemn week at that. The week begins with a commemoration of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. All four Gospels relay this as the high point of community love for Jesus and the miracles and love he shared with the community–one that would betray him in the latter days of the week. Christians journey with Jesus during Holy week. As a Christian I recall the prayers of Jesus, the sacrifices of Jesus and the expressions of God’s merciful love through Jesus.

I recall the last supper Jesus had with his disciples who so desired to understand him and his message and who dreamed to go on to tell it out in the world. I recall that as a peaceful time before the outrageous trial, condemnation and the walk to Calvary–where Jesus’ death sentence would be carried out for me, a lowly version of one of God’s children.

I recall the anguish and terror of that fateful Friday that seemingly brought the entire world to its knees. Jesus was dying on a cross that I might someday have life past death as a believer. As a little girl I once told my mom that Good Friday should always have cold bitter weather and Easter Sunday should always have warmth and sun.Living in the northeast always made that a tall proposal. I remember being in church 4 times each Holy week while growing up–a tradition I still hold to dearly even today.

The Saturday between Good Friday and Easter Sunday often seemed like a solemn yet lost day. Modern Christians of course realize the resurrection Jesus gave us and await the day. Back in Jesus’ day, that was yet to be.

Easter Sunday in modern times closes out Lent with chocolate and feasting and new outfits and celebratory experiences in churches all around the globe. That is not to say that we have gone commercial in our Easter, but rather it reflects modern times of affection, reverence, the newness of spring and the honoring of God’s great gift to all the world.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Lord, how great thou art!