Holy Week is important as it reminds Christians of God’s sacrifice of His Son, and also God’s love for His people. Christians can learn much about Jesus through the last week of His life. Easter is the most important festival in the Christian calendar. Liturgically, Paschal Triduum remind us that Jesus gave His life as an eternal sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. He came to save us who were lost by sin. Therefore, all readings are the great preparation of the Paschal Triduum. These days are: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter day of the Resurrection of the Lord. During these days we get an opportunity to reflect upon the human physical suffering of Jesus Christ. It began with Palm Sunday when Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem. The Holy Bible assures us that Jesus was present at creation with the Father, that He is the Word, and many prophecies were fulfilled during His final days on earth. Now, let us focus on these three important days.
- Holy Thursday: On this day, Jesus gave His disciples a new commandment of love. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you.” He also instituted two Sacraments, Holy Orders and Holy Eucharist.
- Good Friday: It was the last day of Jesus’ life on earth before His resurrection. He was betrayed by Judas and denied by Peter, as predicted. His disciples scattered. He was arrested and was placed on trial falsely. He was condemned, beaten, mocked, and required to carry His own crown to the place where He was crucified and died. The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on His head. Though He was offered something to dull the physical pain, Jesus chose to face the pain of death head on. At noon, Jesus cried out “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit”, and died
- Holy Saturday: It begins with the Vigil Mass reminding Jesus’ followers to be prepared for His Resurrection. Therefore, the Vigil Mass focuses on a transition from darkness to light, the Paschal candle is lit representing the new light that Jesus brought into the world with His blessing, followed by readings from the Old and New Testaments with baptisms welcoming new members into the church. Then comes the Eucharist, and with that, the first Mass of Easter Sunday. Let us prepare ourselves for the celebration of the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus and obtain His blessings.
Fr. Dominic Ishaq JCD