This month, we observe Holy Week – the highlight of the Church year. This week
commemorates the suffering, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus the Messiah. Holy week
can be challenging to observe, particularly the days that focus on Christ’s betrayal and
suffering on the cross. But, if we commit to observing this important week, we can grow in our
faith in powerful ways.
Holy week begins on Palm Sunday. It commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a
donkey. The people waved palm branches and shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” as Jesus rode into Jerusalem. Maundy Thursday is observed on the Thursday following Palm Sunday. The English term “Maundy” comes from the Latin term mandatum novum which means “new commandment,” as recorded in John 13:34, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” On this night, Jesus washed the disciples’ feet before celebrating the Passover meal with them before his arrest. Good Friday is observed on Friday of Holy Week. “Good” refers to “a day or season observed as
holy by the church.” Good Friday is also called “good” because on this day, Christ showed his love for humanity by dying on the cross for our salvation. Easter Sunday is the culmination of Holy Week when we commemorate the disciples’ discovering the empty tomb and celebrate Christ’s resurrection from the dead. We celebrate the promise that because Jesus lives, we too will have eternal life in him!
Holy week gives us the opportunity to enter the powerful story of God’s redemption of humanity in
Christ. As we ponder Christ’s sacrifice for us on the cross, the joy of Easter becomes all the more meaningful to us. This year, we will observe Holy week with some of our ministry partners in community worship services. Read the details inside this month’s newsletter for more details. We hope you will join in observing Holy week
this year!
Blessings,
Hilary
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