What is Holy Week?

For Christian people, Holy Week is the most important week of the year! It is the week before Easter beginning with Palm Sunday. This year it starts this Sunday. It is a time when we celebrate in a special way the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. We remember his actions, reflect on his messages, and recommit to living as faithful disciples in the world today.

On Palm Sunday we remember the gospel story when Jesus was welcomed by the people with cheers and palms - a symbol of victory and sign that "all is well". Palm-bearing date trees were valued for their dignity, beauty and shade and were used at special occasions to welcome heroes and royalty.

Maundy Thursday takes its name from the latin Mandatum (commandment) in reference to the "new" commandment that Jesus gives disciples (all of us!) at the Last Supper. This is the time when we remember the story of Jesus washing the feet of his friends, offering them the love and compassion of God. We celebrate a simple eucharist (communion) and leave the church quietly and reflectively as we prepare for the events of Good Friday.

Good Friday is when we remember the story of the Passion of Christ. All the events from Jesus arrest and betrayal by his friends and the religious authorities, his trial and proclamation of the death sentence, the long journey to the place of crucifixion, the sounds of the nails as he is put on the cross. The story culminates in Jesus' death witnessed by the women who were his closest friends and loved ones. This is a day for introspection and deep reverence. This is a day when our hearts are laid bare. This is a day when if we remain open, we sense the mysterious Spirit of God deep in our bones.     
If you stood at the cross on which Jesus hung, what would you say to him? How does it feel to touch the cross? What does this mean to you?

Holy Saturday Before we get to the happy celebrations of Easter Sunday we still have Holy Saturday. In some churches it is known as Easter Vigil. Some churches stay open the whole day and night as people come and go to pray or read the Bible. Traditionally a fire was lit but now we usually use a candle. This is where the tradition of the Christ Candle came from. 

I hope you will join us for our special observances of Holy Week. Come Thursday night at 7:00 for a reflective Maundy Thursday Communion service.
Gather at 11:00 Friday morning at St Paul's Church with hundred's of your neighbours from various churches in Aylmer to carry the cross, to hear scripture and to pray together. 

I offer this prayer from the Celtic tradition as a companion through Holy Week. Keep it with you and pray it often. 
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O Christ you are a bright flame before me
You are a guiding star above me
You are the light and love
I see in other's eyes.
Keep me O Christ 
in a love that is tender 
Keep me O Christ
in a love that is true
Keep me O Christ
in a love that is strong
Tonight, tomorrow and always. Amen.
(J. Philip Newell in Celtic Prayers from Iona)