Holy Week, the week leading up to Easter, is a sacred time in Christianity. It is a journey that begins with the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and culminates in the joyous celebration of his resurrection on Easter Sunday. This beginners guide to Holy Week will help you understand the significance of each day, the associated traditions, and how to participate in this important observance.
It’s a time of deep reflection, remembrance, and spiritual preparation. We recall Jesus’ last days, his suffering, death, and ultimate victory over death. Holy Week is not just a historical recounting; it is an invitation to participate in the mysteries of Christ’s passion and resurrection. This guide will explore the intricate tapestry of Holy Week, from the anointing at Bethany to the discovery of the empty tomb.
Palm Sunday: Entering Jerusalem with Christ
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, commemorating Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Like the crowds who welcomed him with palm branches, we celebrate his arrival as King. Expect the following on Palm Sunday:
Blessing of the Palms: Palm branches are blessed and distributed to the congregation. This tradition, dating back to the 4th century, connects us to the original welcoming of Christ and to Christians worldwide. The palms serve as a sign of victory and a reminder to hail Christ as our King.
Procession of the Palms: The congregation processes while holding and waving palm branches, symbolizing our participation in the welcoming of Jesus into Jerusalem. It’s a tangible connection to the biblical story and a shared experience with believers throughout history.
The Passion of Christ: A reading from the Passion Gospel recounts Jesus’ arrest, trial, crucifixion, and death. This serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifice Jesus made for humanity. In many traditions, including the Anglican, the stark contrast between the joyous entry and the impending suffering is intentionally highlighted. This year the Passion Gospel will be read from St. Mark 14:1-15:47.
Palm Sunday invites us to reflect on humility, sacrifice, and redemption as we begin our journey through Holy Week.
Holy Monday & Tuesday: Reflecting on the Path to the Cross
Holy Monday and Holy Tuesday offer opportunities for quiet reflection and contemplation. While specific observances may vary between parishes, many offer additional services, reflections, and prayers to aid in meditating on the events leading to the crucifixion. These days provide a solemn space for faithful reflection on the journey to the cross.
Holy Monday: Remembering Lazarus
The lectionary reading for Holy Monday focuses on the raising of Lazarus from the dead. This miracle prefigures both Christ’s resurrection and the universal resurrection we all await. It demonstrates Christ’s power over death, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the coming darkness. The raising of Lazarus is a powerful symbol of hope and resurrection.
Holy Tuesday: Christ’s Imminent Glorification
On Holy Tuesday, the Gospel reading recounts Christ proclaiming his imminent glorification, confirmed by the voice of the Father. He prepares his disciples (and us) for his impending death, the coming judgement, and calls us to walk in the light. This prepares us for the events of Holy Week.
Spy Wednesday and Tenebrae: Facing the Darkness
Spy Wednesday, also known as Holy Wednesday, commemorates Judas’ betrayal of Jesus, a pivotal moment leading to the events of the Passion.
Tenebrae: A Service of Shadows
Tenebrae, from the Latin word for “darkness” or “shadows,” is a solemn service held during Holy Week that focuses on Christ’s suffering through scripture readings and songs. The service progresses gradually, with candles being extinguished one by one until only a single candle, symbolizing Christ, remains. This is followed by the hiding of the candle and a loud noise, representing the earthquake at the resurrection. The candle is then restored, and the congregation departs in silence, carrying the somber atmosphere and the anticipation of Christ’s resurrection.
The Sacred Triduum: The Heart of Holy Week
The Sacred Triduum encompasses the three days that commemorate Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Great Vigil of Easter. This period marks the most sacred time in the liturgical year.
Maundy Thursday: The Mandate of Love and Remembrance
Maundy Thursday derives its name from the Latin word “mandatum,” meaning ‘commandment’. This day commemorates the Last Supper, during which Jesus instituted the Eucharist and commanded his disciples to remember him through this act. We also remember Christ’s commandment to love one another. Jesus also humbly washed the feet of his disciples.
Maundy Thursday is the start of the three-day celebration of Easter, beginning with the Last Supper and culminating in the resurrection. We reflect on Jesus’ acts and his message of love, humility, and sacrifice. The day serves as a reminder of the core principles of the Christian faith.
Maundy Thursday Services:
Foot Washing: A powerful symbol of humility and service, the foot washing ceremony reenacts Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet.
Eucharistic Service: This special service commemorates the Last Supper, where Jesus instituted the Eucharist.
Stripping of the Altar: The altar is stripped bare, and all decorations are removed, symbolizing Christ’s abandonment and vulnerability. This prepares for the solemn observance of Good Friday.
Good Friday: Remembering the Crucifixion
Good Friday focuses on the somber reflection of Jesus’ crucifixion. The altar is left empty and bare, the cross is venerated, and the Passion narrative from the Gospel of John is read. Some churches also hold a service called the Stations of the Cross, which involves prayers and meditations on various events from Jesus’ trial to his burial. The name “Good Friday” likely comes from the Old English word “gōd” which is an older form of the word “holy“. It signifies the fulfillment of God’s plan for humanity’s salvation through Jesus’ sacrifice.
Good Friday Observances:
Solemn Collects: Prayers specific to Good Friday that focus on the Church, the clergy, those preparing for baptism, the unity of all Christians, unbelievers, our civil leaders, and those who suffer.
Veneration of the Cross: A solemn lifting and display of the crucifix, inviting individual veneration, symbolizing a personal connection to the events of the Crucifixion.
Holy Communion: Distributed from the Reserved Sacrament, consecrated on Holy Thursday, reflecting the continuity of the Holy Week observances.
Stations of the Cross and the Agony Prayer Service: These services offer opportunities to immerse oneself fully in the events of Good Friday.
Holy Saturday and the Easter Vigil: Anticipating the Resurrection
Holy Saturday and the Easter Vigil mark the transition from the sorrow of Christ’s death to the joy of His Resurrection.
Holy Saturday: A Day of Waiting
Holy Saturday is a day of reflection on Christ’s time in the tomb. It’s a time of quiet anticipation for the resurrection.
Easter Vigil: The Night of Light
The Easter Vigil begins on Saturday night, in the hours of darkness. A new fire is lit, the new Paschal candle is blessed, baptismal vows are renewed, and the light of Christ overcoming the darkness is celebrated. Parishes are decorated, and clergy wear bright vestments, reflecting the importance and joy of the occasion.
Easter Sunday: Celebrating the Resurrection
Easter Sunday marks the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This day is filled with joyous services, the singing of hymns, and the heartfelt exchange of the Easter greeting, “Alleluia! Christ is risen!”
Easter Sunday Services: Many parishes begin with an early morning service, followed by the Mid-morning Eucharist, where congregations come together to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection through prayer, song, and the Eucharist.
Easter is Just the Beginning: Eastertide
Easter Sunday is a feast day, but it’s only the beginning. The following 50 days, known as Eastertide, are a period of feasting and celebration. This season represents the high point of the Church Year, as we await the Ascension of Christ and the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. It’s a time to reflect on the meaning of Christ’s resurrection.
Holy Week: A Journey of Faith
This beginners guide to Holy Week highlights the journey from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. Each day offers opportunities for reflection, remembrance, and spiritual growth. By actively participating in the traditions and observances of Holy Week, we can deepen our understanding of the Christian faith and experience the transformative power of Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection.
