The Most Earth-Shattering Week Ever

Welcome to the holiest week of the liturgical year.  From Palm Sunday to the Easter Vigil, we accompany our Lord from his jubilant entrance as the Messiah/King into the royal city, though his Last Supper with his disciples, his rejection, crucifixion and resurrection.  Each year we are invited to find our place in the greatest story ever told, as it continues to unfold in and through us.  Let us journey together with Jesus through his Passiontide, “For if we have grown into union with him through a death like his, we shall also be united with him in the resurrection” (Romans 6: 5, Easter Vigil Epistle).  Here are a few highlights from the story of this earth-shattering week. 

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

“The crowds preceding him and those following kept crying out and saying, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest.’  And when he entered Jerusalem the whole city was shaken…” (Matthew 21: 9-10).

Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper  (Holy Thursday)

“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’  The he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying ‘Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins’” (Matthew 26: 26-28).

“If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s fee.  I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do” (John 13: 14-15).

The Celebration of the Passion of the Lord  (Good Friday)

“So when they had assembled, Pilate said to them, ‘Which one do you want me to release to you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus called Messiah?’ … They answered, ‘Barabbas!’  Pilate said to them, ‘Then what shall I do with Jesus called Messiah?’  They all said, ‘Let him be crucified’” (Matthew 27: 17, 21-22).

“Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, and gave up his spirit.  And behold the veil in the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom.  The earth quaked, rocks were split, tombs were opened, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised.  And coming forth from their tombs after his resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many” (Matthew 50-53).   

Behold the wood of the Cross, on which hung the salvation of the world.  Come, let us adore.  

Easter Vigil in the Holy Night  (Holy Saturday)

“And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it.  His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing was white as snow.  The guards were shaken and became like dead men.  Then the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid!  I know you are seeking Jesus the crucified.  He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said.  Come and see the place where he lay.  Then go quickly and tell his disciples’” (Mathew 28: 2-7).

This Holy Week find your place as the greatest story ever told continues.