Holy Week

Without the Crucifixion There is No Resurrection

Before we celebrate the joy of Easter, we walk through Holy Week and hear about what Jesus went through before the crucifixion. Holy Week was and is a difficult time, just like some components of Lent, such as fasting. But it is not supposed to be easy. Jesus went through a lot during Holy Week. This week allows us to catch a glimpse of the suffering Jesus went through for us. It serves as a reminder that we will get through these long days of struggle and see God’s enduring love for us all.

Holy Week starts on Palm Sunday and goes through Holy Saturday, the day before Easter. Throughout this week, we witness what Jesus endured to save us from our sins. Each day holds special meaning based on the actions of Jesus in his final hours.

Palm Sunday

The first day of Holy Week is Palm Sunday, which is marked by celebrating the day Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem. As He entered the city, the people greeted Him by waving palm branches and proclaiming Him as their Savior. The people of Jerusalem were not aware that Jesus was going to be crucified or that they would be the ones calling for His death. The Passion of Christ is recounted at Palm Sunday services to remember the sufferings of Jesus.

Monday-Wednesday

The next three days were ones of conflict between Jesus and others. On Monday, Jesus was angered by people selling their goods in the house of God. He reminded them that it was to be a place of prayer. On Tuesday, Jesus was questioned by the Jewish leaders who were not convinced that He was the Messiah. Jesus continued preaching his message on Wednesday while the elders, chief priests, and scribes began to plan His death.

Holy or Maundy Thursday

Thursday was Jesus’ last day of freedom before He was arrested. Jesus shared the Last Supper with the Apostles, which is when He instituted the Holy Eucharist or Communion – sharing His own body and blood. To demonstrate humility and love, Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. Jesus then went to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He stayed late into the night.

Good Friday

In the early morning of Good Friday, Jesus was arrested. Judas betrayed Jesus by kissing His cheek, the sign He arranged with those who bribed Him. Thus began a day of suffering before Jesus died on the cross. He stood trial where He was whipped, beaten, spat upon, and made to carry His own cross up the hill where He was nailed to it. A crown of thorns was forced on His head. After He died on the cross, He was removed, wrapped in cloths, and buried in a nearby tomb.

Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday

Holy Saturday was a day of mourning for Jesus’ followers while He lay in his tomb. A guard stood watch to make sure no one tried to steal the body. Early on Sunday morning, Easter Sunday, it was discovered Jesus was no longer in the tomb and He had indeed risen from the dead.
How did this incredible man endure such affliction? Can we even begin to imagine how great God’s love for us is to send his ONLY son to die for us on the cross so that our sins may be forgiven for eternity? It truly is remarkable.

As you endure your own trials and tribulations, remember this Lenten season and Holy Week. Jesus would not have had the Resurrection on Easter Sunday without first suffering and dying on the cross. There is a revelation that comes with the resurrection.

Lent: A Season of Reflection and Growth

Lent is a time to prepare for the resurrection of Jesus at Easter. No matter what you call them, the basics of Lent are the same – prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

The 40 days of Lent allow us to reflect on Jesus’ time alone in the desert. This experience was not glamourous or easy. It was a time for Jesus to listen, hear God’s calling, and discover His purpose.

This time of year allows for recentering and focusing, especially on Jesus’ life and the end of His life on earth – His sacrifice. Allow yourself time with your inner thoughts and time to connect with the plans God has for your life.

Common Lenten Traditions
  • Midweek church services to come together as a community.
  • Reflection opportunities – Praying, playing the piano, reading the Bible, or sitting and meditating with God.
  • Stations of the Cross and going to confession in the Catholic Church.
  • Prayer – Improving our prayer life during Lent can allow us to become closer to God. We can do this by reading Scripture, participating in a Bible study, or daily prayer. Continuing and furthering a relationship with God can help us in our daily lives.
  • Fasting – Many times, people give up chocolate, pop, or other foods during Lent. However, Lent can also be a time to fast and rid ourselves of unnecessary “things” to make space for God in our lives. We could fast from gossiping, social media, or something that takes us away from our relationship with God.
  • Almsgiving – This can be many things, giving of your time, talents, and most commonly, your treasures. This is our opportunity to serve others just as Christ would do.

Though these are a few common Lenten traditions, you don’t necessarily need to do them all to participate in this season.

What we are ‘supposed to do’ throughout Lent isn’t actually spelled out in the Bible. The apostles and early church did not actually observe Lent, but rather it became a tradition in the fourth century AD. Just as they did in the early days, though, during this time we can refocus and center our lives while modeling Jesus’ life.

The actions we take during these 40 days are not meant to happen solely during this season. The intent is to build habits that will continue year-round. So, whatever your Lenten traditions may be, remember the reason for the season.