--- Holy Week 2025 ---
(A Time of Reflection and Renewal)
Holy Week is the most sacred period in our liturgical calendar, commemorating the final days of Jesus Christ’s life, His crucifixion, and His resurrection. It begins on Palm Sunday and culminates in Easter Sunday, marking the fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation.
Palm Sunday recalls Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where crowds welcomed Him with palm branches, symbolizing victory and peace. This event sets the stage for the profound events that follow.
Holy Monday and Holy Tuesday focus on Jesus’ teachings and confrontations with religious leaders. On Holy Wednesday, also known as Spy Wednesday, Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus is remembered.
Maundy Thursday is significant for the Last Supper, where Jesus instituted the Eucharist and washed His disciples’ feet, demonstrating humility and service. This day also marks His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane and His subsequent arrest.
Good Friday is the solemn commemoration of Jesus’ passion and crucifixion. Christians reflect on His suffering, sacrifice, and ultimate love for humanity. We observe fasting, prayer, and Stations of the Cross.
Holy Saturday is a day of quiet mourning, recalling Jesus’ time in the tomb. It is also the night of the Easter Vigil, where believers anticipate the joy of the Resurrection.
Easter Sunday is the pinnacle of Holy Week, celebrating Jesus’ resurrection and victory over sin and death. It is a day of joy, hope, and renewal, emphasizing the core beliefs of Christianity.
Holy Week is a time of deep spiritual reflection, drawing believers closer to their faith through prayer, repentance, and acts of charity. It serves as a powerful reminder of God’s love and the promise of eternal life through Christ.
“All I want is to know Christ and to experience the power of his resurrection, to share in his sufferings and become like him in his death, in the hope that I myself will be raised from death to life.”
Philippians 3:10, 11
- Fr. Augustine Joseph