Holy Week begins tomorrow, March 24, 2024, on Palm Sunday. Holy Week or Passion Week is a momentous period in the Christian calendar. Recognizing the final week of Jesus Christ’s life on Earth, the week focuses on the days leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection.
Observed by numerous Christian denominations around the world, including Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and many Protestants, Holy Week typically begins on Palm Sunday and concludes on Easter Sunday. If you want to learn more about Holy Week which encompasses several key events in Jesus’ life, please read the following.
- Palm Sunday: Marking the start of Holy Week, Palm Sunday begins with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Riding into the city on a donkey, crowds welcomed him by waving palm branches and laying them on the ground. The event known as Messiah’s arrival is described in the Gospels as fulfilling the prophecy.
- Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, and Holy Wednesday: These three days are often focused on reflection and preparation for the upcoming solemn events. In some traditions, specific readings or services take place during these days.
- Maundy Thursday: Holy or Maundy Thursday focuses on the Last Supper, the final meal Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion. During the meal, Jesus established the Eucharist or Holy Communion, the act of washing the feet of each of his disciples. The gesture is an act of humility and service. Deriving from the Latin word, “Mandatum”, “Maundy” means commandment. The commandment ensures all to love one another as Jesus has loved them.
- Good Friday: The day marks the most solemn day of Holy Week. Good Friday observes Jesus Christ’s crucifixion on the cross. Good Friday services often include readings of the Passion narrative and reflections on Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross.
- Holy Saturday: The Saturday before Easter honors the time frame between the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Holy Saturday is often a day for quiet reflection and anticipation of Easter Sunday. In some Christian traditions, Easter Vigil services are held on Holy Saturday night to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- Easter Sunday: The day is the finale of Holy Week. Easter Sunday is the most important day in the Christian calendar. Celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, as described in the Gospels, Easter Sunday is a day of joy and celebration. Around the world, Christians recognize Easter Sunday as a triumph of life over death with the hope of salvation.
If you are searching for ways to celebrate or honor Holy Week, engage in various practices such as prayer, reflecting, meditation, attending church services, or participating in rituals that reflect the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection. Happy Easter!
