Holy Week is
the most important week of the Church’s year. It begins with Palm Sunday and
ends with Easter Sunday.
On Palm
Sunday we remember Jesus’ journey into Jerusalem. It was in the days before the
Passover, an important meal for the Jews. Jesus went into Jerusalem with his
friends, even though He knew that things were going to e very difficult. The
crowds welcomed him with shouts and waving palm branches (perhaps rather like
the winners of a major sporting trophy might be welcomed as they tour in an
open topped bus!) We distribute palm crosses as symbols of this.
Jesus then
had an eventful few days, teaching and evicting the money changers from the
Temple!
On the
Thursday he gathered with his friends for the Passover meal. This was to be his
last meal with them. He washed their feet and shared food and wine. We call
this the Last Supper, and the day is called Maundy Thursday. This is the meal
we commemorate at the Eucharist. We break bread and share wine as He asked we
should in memory of him. At the end of the meal, Judas betrayed Jesus to the
authorities, and He was arrested and tried.
On the
Friday (we call it Good Friday) Jesus
was crucified, and his body laid in a tomb.
On the
Sunday the tomb was found to be empty, as Jesus had risen from the dead. Over
the next few weeks there were several sightings of the risen Christ.
There are
many people who attend church on Palm Sunday and not again until Easter Sunday. This is a pity, because it misses so much of the story. I don’t believe it is
possible to truly celebrate Easter if you haven’t been through Holy Week
Here in
Leesfield we have services in both churches at the usual times on the Sundays.
On Maundy
Thursday there is a Eucharist at St Thomas at 7.30pm to commemorate the Last
Supper. On Good Friday there is a service at St Thomas in the morning, 10.30am followed
by a short open air service in the village centre at 12.30pm.
On Saturday
evening we have the Easter Vigil at St Agnes 7.30pm. We renew our baptism
promises, and welcome the light of Christ into church.
I urge you
this year to take Holy Week seriously and try to attend at least one service
that you don’t usually get to. Easter will be more significant for you if you
do!
