A Guide to Holy Week
Mark’s Gospel and Holy Week
Mark’s Gospel tracks the events of this week on a daily basis. Place yourself among the disciples and experience the events of Jesus’ last week among us.
Sunday:
“When they were approaching Jerusalem” (11:1 - 11) Monday:
“On the following day” (11:12-19) Tuesday:
“In the morning” (11:20-13:37) Wednesday:
“It was two days before the Passover” (14:1-11) Thursday:
“On the first day of Unleavened Bread” (14:12-72) Friday:
“As soon as it was morning” (15:1-41) Saturday:
“the Sabbath” (15:42 & 16:1) Sunday:
“Very early on the first day of the week” (16:2-8)
The Last Week, Marcus Borg and Dominic Crossan: An historical interpretation of the events of Holy Week that will deepen your understanding and faith.
Death On A Friday Afternoon, Fr. Richard John Neuhaus: Death on a Friday - A spiritual and intellectual exploration of the dark side of human experience with the promise of light and life on the far side of darkness.
What Is Holy Week?
For many Christians, the week preceding Easter is known as Holy Week. It begins on Palm Sunday and is traditionally a week of intentional reflection on the events preceding Jesus’ death: his triumphant entry into Jerusalem; his betrayal by Judas; his Last Supper with his twelve apostles; his arrest, crucifixion and death; and his burial in a tomb.
What Is Palm Sunday?
On Palm Sunday, Christians celebrate Jesus’ procession into Jerusalem, which occurred several days before his death. According to the gospels, the people of Jerusalem spread branches from trees—identified specifically as palm branches in John's gospel—on the road to welcome Jesus as he rode a donkey into the city. Because of this, many Christian churches today offer congregants palm fronds as they enter the church on Palm Sunday. In some denominations, the story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and of his death is read in church on Palm Sunday, juxtaposing the welcome Jesus received on one day with his betrayal and arrest a few days later.
What Is Holy Thursday?
On Holy Thursday (also called Maundy Thursday), Christians commemorate the Last Supper—a Passover meal that Jesus shared with his disciples the night before his death. During the meal, Jesus broke bread and offered his followers wine, saying “This is my body, given up for you.” Many Christians consider this event to have been the institution of the Eucharist, which is a sacrament in some denominations.
What Is Good Friday?
Christians observe Good Friday (for English-speaking Eastern Orthodox Christians, “Great and Holy Friday”) as the day Jesus was crucified and died. It is the most somber day on the Christian calendar. On Good Friday, some Christians abstain from meat or refrain from food altogether. They may also attend special church services that might include readings from the gospel stories of Jesus' Passion, Jesus' last words, and other Bible passages.
What Is the Triduum?
For Catholics and some other Christians, the Triduum is the three-day period marking Jesus' death and burial. It begins on Holy Thursday and concludes as Easter begins. Some Christians observe the Triduum by attending a worship service on each day, including a long Easter Vigil service on the night before Easter.
What Is Easter?
Easter is the most important Christian holiday, surpassing even Christmas. As a celebration of the day Jesus rose from the dead, Easter symbolizes forgiveness, rebirth, and God’s saving power. Christians view the day as a victory over sin, death, and all destructive forces in people’s lives.
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