Holy Week: Journeying with Christ to the Cross and Resurrection
Holy Week is the most sacred time in the Christian liturgical year, commemorating the final days of Jesus Christ’s earthly life, His Passion, Death, and Resurrection. It begins on Palm Sunday and ends on Holy Saturday, leading into the great celebration of Easter Sunday. This solemn and powerful week invites the faithful to walk closely with Christ through His suffering and triumph, entering more deeply into the mystery of our salvation.
Palm Sunday: The Triumphal Entry
Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, recalling Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem riding a donkey, as crowds welcomed Him with palm branches shouting, “Hosanna!” (Matthew 21:1–11). The liturgy includes a procession with blessed palms and the reading of the Passion narrative, setting the tone for the week ahead. It is a day that captures both joy and sorrow—praising Christ as King while foreshadowing His suffering.
Holy Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
These days reflect Jesus’ teachings and final moments with His disciples:
- Holy Monday: The Gospel recalls the anointing of Jesus at Bethany (John 12:1–11), a sign of His upcoming burial.
- Holy Tuesday: Jesus predicts His betrayal by Judas and Peter’s denial (John 13:21–33).
- Spy Wednesday: Named for the day Judas conspired to betray Jesus (Matthew 26:14–16), highlighting human weakness and the mystery of God’s mercy.
Holy Thursday: The Last Supper and the Gift of Love
Holy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper, where Jesus instituted the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Holy Orders. During the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the priest washes the feet of parishioners, imitating Christ’s act of humble service. The Mass ends with the solemn procession of the Blessed Sacrament to an altar of repose, where the faithful keep watch in prayer, remembering Jesus’ agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Good Friday: The Passion and Death of Christ
On Good Friday, the Church solemnly commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus. It is the only day of the year when Mass is not celebrated. Instead, a Passion service is held, consisting of:
- The reading of the Passion from the Gospel of John
- The veneration of the Cross
- Holy Communion, consecrated the night before
The day is marked by silence, fasting, and reflection, as we remember the immense sacrifice Christ made for our salvation.
Holy Saturday: Waiting in Hope
Holy Saturday is a day of quiet mourning and prayer, as the Church reflects on Jesus’ time in the tomb. It is also a day of hopeful anticipation, as we await the joy of the Resurrection. The faithful are encouraged to meditate on Christ’s descent into the realm of the dead, where He brings salvation to the righteous who had gone before Him.
That night, the Church celebrates the Easter Vigil, the most solemn and beautiful liturgy of the year. It includes:
- The blessing of the fire and Paschal Candle
- The proclamation of salvation history through Scripture
- The celebration of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist for new Catholics entering the Church
Spiritual Meaning of Holy Week
Holy Week invites us into the heart of our faith—the Paschal Mystery. It is a time to:
- Reflect on the depth of God’s love for us
- Unite our suffering with Christ’s redemptive sacrifice
- Renew our commitment to live as disciples of the Risen Lord
- Prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter
Pope Francis has said:
“Holy Week is a time of grace, in which we turn our gaze to the love of Jesus, who gave Himself for us and invites us to follow Him.”
Holy Week is more than a series of liturgical events—it is a spiritual journey, leading us from the Cross to the empty tomb. By walking with Jesus through His suffering, death, and Resurrection, we are invited to experience the transforming power of His love. As we enter into this sacred time, may we open our hearts more fully to Christ, who laid down His life so that we might live forever in Him.
