Holy Week: the most important festivity to remember the Savior. Explore in these verses the importance of this celebration.
"He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’" Matthew 26:18
With the beginning of the celebration of Holy Thursday, not only the Easter Triduum begins. On this day the Catholic Church commemorates the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper. During that meeting, Jesus Christ said: "Do this in remembrance of me", celebrating all the brave men who said "yes". In addition, with the gesture of foot washing, the Church celebrates all those who dedicate their lives to humble and extraordinary service to others. In this way, they fulfill Christ's last commandment.
On this day, the Institution of the Eucharist is commemorated in the celebration of the Holy Office. Later, in the so-called Holy Hour, the agony and prayer of Jesus in the Garden of Olives and the betrayal of Judas are remembered.
"Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the Lord. “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word." Isaiah 66:2
Three great events are celebrated, beginning with the so-called Chrism Mass. In it, the Holy Chrism is consecrated and the other oils used in the administration of the principal sacraments are blessed. Therefore, all priests will renew the promises made on the day of their ordination.
This is a manifestation of the communion between the bishop and his priests in the priesthood and ministry of Christ, where the church will celebrate another year of the institution of the Priestly Life.
Holy Week is a time of reflection and spiritual renewal, a time to remember the sacrifice of Jesus and to reaffirm our faith in God. It is important that in these times of health and social crisis in which we find ourselves, we find a way to celebrate Holy Week in a meaningful and authentic way that allows us to connect with our Heavenly Father and our loved ones.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16-17
In Holy Week, we remember the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus, but we also reflect on our own journey of Faith and how we can improve as human beings. It is an opportunity to renew our commitment to God and to reconcile with those we have hurt or offended.
One of the most representative symbols of Holy Week are the processions, which this year could be virtual. This is an opportunity to contemplate the religious images, to meditate on the meaning of the Passion of Christ and to unite in prayer and reflection.
Another activity we can do as a family is to read the Bible together, especially the passages that speak about the Passion and Death of Jesus. This will help us to better understand the meaning of Holy Week and to connect with our Faith in a deeper way.
"Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams." 1 Samuel 15:22
Faith gives us the strength to face life's challenges and to find hope in the midst of adversity. In Holy Week, we remember God's unconditional love for his sons and daughters, and the victory of life over death.
This gives us the certainty that, despite the difficulties, there is always a light at the end of the road and a reason to go on.
The important thing is to share the Faith in family and community, and to find a way to do so in these days of celebration and love for the Holy Spirit. We can organize a family dinner, prepare some symbols of Holy Week, decorate the home with religious images and prepare activities to share.
Remember that Holy Week is an opportunity to get closer to God, to renew our faith and to reflect on our journey as human beings.
We should celebrate it in a different way, it is important to find a way to do it in a meaningful and authentic way. May this Holy Week allow us to renew our commitment to God and to our fellow human beings, and may it give us the strength to face the challenges of life with hope.