Faith Formation: Holy Week at Home

Today’s message is a special Monday edition of Faith Formation as we embark on the holiest of days in the church.

As we enter Holy Week, we ask God to continue to look upon us with kindness and mercy. The traditional way Christians refer to the last week of Jesus’ life is to call it Holy Week. It is also referred to as Passion Week, which comes from the Latin word ‘passio’ meaning “suffering.” Holy Week encompasses the eight days beginning on Palm Sunday and culminating on Easter Sunday. Below is a visual outlining an “at-a-glance” guide to the key days ahead:

In addition, the following is a synthesis of each day of Holy Week including some reflections that provide thoughts on the details of Jesus’ week. Consider using these messages as a guide to readjust your focus on Holy Week and take time to consider the point of reflection for each day:

Day 1: Palm Sunday

Reflection: On Palm Sunday, we remember that Jesus willingly went to Jerusalem in obedience to the Father, knowing that he was on a journey toward the cross. What difficult journey are you on? What steps of obedience do you need to take?

Day 2: Holy Week Monday

Reflection: On Monday of Holy Week, we remember Jesus’ teachings to his disciples, including the greatest command: to love God and our neighbors (Matthew 22:37-40). How can we demonstrate love to God and our neighbors this Holy Week?

Day 3: Holy Week Tuesday

Reflection: On Tuesday of Holy Week, we remember that it was Jesus’ usual practice to be with his disciples for the purpose of teaching and prayer. How might we follow his example this Holy Week?

Day 4: Holy Week Wednesday

Reflection: On Wednesday of Holy Week, we remember the beautiful example of sacrificial worship demonstrated by the woman who anointed Jesus. Can we offer something as a beautiful sacrifice to Jesus today?

Day 5: Maundy Thursday

Reflection: On Maundy Thursday, we remember Judas’ betrayal, the disciples’ abandonment and Peter’s denial. Are there ways we betray, abandon or deny Jesus?

Day 6: Good Friday

Reflection: On Good Friday, we remember the sacrifice of Jesus to endure torture and death on a cross. How might we express gratitude to Jesus?

Day 7: Holy Week Saturday

Reflection: On Saturday of Holy Week, we remember the disciples as they experienced what they considered to be the silence of God in the midst of their fear. Consider our own need for faith to believe God is at work even when we can’t see it.

Day 8: Easter Sunday

Reflection: On Easter Sunday, we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection.  Pray for God’s peace that is now freely available to rule in our hearts all year, no matter what we’re facing. He is our hope.

Let us continue in the presence of God as we proclaim and reflect on the following words with prayerful hearts . . .

Let us pray.

May your protection, O Lord, we pray,

defend the humble

and keep ever safe those who trust in your mercy,

that they may celebrate the paschal festivities

not only with bodily observance

but above all with purity of mind.

Through Christ our Lord.

All:                  Amen.

In closing, turn once again to worship in song as you listen to the “At the Foot of The Cross” by Fr. Rob Galea at the link that follows.  May this hymn along with the Holy Week reflections presented in this reflection lead into a deeper connection to the paschal mysteries. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Sb4TH__KHI - At the Foot of The Cross - Fr. Rob Galea