Holy Holy Holy Week

Hey Group,

My hope is that you have taken a few moments this week to stop and think about Holy Week. If not, then now is your chance. Here is a rundown on what each day of Holy Week is about:

Palm Sunday: This is the remembrance of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The whole palm aspect of it comes from Matthew 21:8 “⁸ A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road” and John 12:13 “¹³ So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord-- the King of Israel!’” Some churches also call it Passion Sunday and tell the gospel story all the way up through the crucifixion.

The next three days, Monday-Wednesday, aren’t typically celebrated in the UMC. But some Christian denominations do…

Holy Monday: Holy Monday is dedicated to the creation of the world, of Heaven and Earth, as the foundation of Christ's Second Creation (from the Armenian Church website). One of the Scriptural references is the story of Jesus and the barren fig tree (Matthew 21:18-22).

Holy Tuesday: The theme of this day is waiting and preparing for the coming of Jesus and asking for compassion. The Scripture is the parable of the ten maidens (Matthew 25:1-13).

Holy Wednesday: This day recalls the woman who anoints Jesus with the expensive oil (Matthew 26:3-16). Judas’ betrayal is also remembered on this day.

Maundy Thursday: The name comes from the latin word for mandate, a reference to Jesus’ commandment to his disciples to love one another. On this day we usually observe the Last Supper and the act of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet (John 13:3-15).

Good Friday: Kind of an oxymoronic name, because we lift up the crucifixion and death of Jesus. But that’s only in our modern English speaking context. It has other names in other Christian countries.

Holy Saturday: Is usually a day of solemn waiting. It is the period that we remember Christ in the tomb.

Easter: The day we celebrate the resurrection of Christ! This is most theologically important day of the Christian year (and for my money, in all of history). The rising of Christ is the defining moment and movement of our entire religion. St. Paul said that we are fools for the sake of Christ (1 Cor. 4:10)…and without the resurrection we’re just fools! As for where the word Easter comes from…I haven’t got a bloody clue as to the true answer. There are various notions out there, including the musings of a 9^th century monk named Bede. But as far as I can tell, it’s a word that predates our ability to prove its origins. There are several theories that seem to work, but quite frankly I’m not sure anyone knows for sure (especially those who claim to!).

Peace!,
Kevin