The Week Called “Holy”
The week before Easter Sunday immerses Christians in the events that preceded the execution of Jesus on a Roman cross. All four Gospels report that after 2–3 years of teaching and healing as an itinerant rabbi, Jesus intentionally traveled from Galilee down to Jerusalem to attend the spring Jewish Passover celebration. As they traveled south, he repeatedly warned the disciples that he would die, despite their hope that he would become a victorious messiah and savior, rout their Roman occupiers, and reestablish the Davidic dynasty. Holy Week recalls the sober dynamics between Jesus and his disciples and followers, the religious leaders and the Roman authorities, and the people of Jerusalem who both welcomed and rejected him.
Palm Sunday, which was celebrated on the last Sunday of March this year, traditionally commences Holy Week. The service reenacted Jesus’ approach and entry into Jerusalem through the eastern gate. He and the disciples were among thousands of pilgrims welcomed by residents waving palm branches. The service closed in a serious mood reflecting the Gospel accounts of the religious authorities’ concerns that Jesus’ followers would instigate an uprising.
Holy Wednesday commemorates the tender story of the woman who showed up at a private home and anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume. Although she was criticized by the disciples, Jesus explained that she was preparing his body for burial, and that she would always be remembered for her generous act.
Maundy Thursday recalls the last Passover supper Jesus had with his disciples and the anxious night he spent in prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, waiting to be arrested. A service will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Maundy Thursday, April 2, which will include a simple communion service of the Lord’s Supper followed by scripture readings and the gradual extinguishing of candles and sanctuary lights.
Good Friday recalls the trials of Jesus, his rejection by the Jerusalem crowds and their choice to save a zealot named Barabbas, and his last words while dying on the cross.
Easter Sunday, April 5 at 10 a.m., is a joyous worship celebration with hymns and Gospel readings describing the discovery of an empty tomb by women attempting to wash and anoint Jesus’ body. Easter at LPC features inspiring hymns and music and the chancel awash in Easter lilies and white parament hangings. Because Easter falls on the first Sunday of April, we will celebrate a festive Holy Communion as we remember the evening meal at Emmaus where the Risen Christ made himself known to two dejected disciples fleeing Jerusalem after the Passover.