Helpful Readings and Commentaries for Holy Week

This is the most important week of the year in the Christian Calendar. It stands at the centre of our lives.

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Although this is from 2010 I find it is still helpful for reflection. 

PALM SUNDAY starts Holy Week

THEN WE ENTER THE TRIDUUM  (Three Days : One Celebration)

MAUNDY THURSDAY

GOOD FRIDAY

HOLY SATURDAY/EASTER SUNDAY

The three days are counted as the Hebrews counted their days, from dusk to dusk. From dusk on Holy Thursday to dusk on Good Friday (day one), dusk on Good Friday to dusk on Holy Saturday (day two), and dusk on Holy Saturday to dusk on Easter Sunday (day three).

 On Holy Thursday we remember the Last Supper. Jesus gives us the Eucharist and tells us to "Do this in memory of me." He then washes the feet of the apostles. Afterwards He goes to the Garden of Gethsemane with his disciples. He undergoes The Agony in The Garden and is betrayed by Judas and arrested.

On Good Friday we remember the passion and death of Jesus.

We celebrate the resurrection of Christ either at the Easter Vigil on Saturday night when new members are baptized and welcomed into our Catholic community or on Easter Sunday morning.

We look at the Easter Triduum as one single celebration that lasts for three days. We cannot separate the death of Jesus from his resurrection. 

 We do not spend all of the three days in church, but at various times during those days, we are called to church to gather and remember together.

When we are not in church, we are asked to keep the spirit of those days even in our homes, if possible. 

These days are not days of "business as usual." 

 

Some interesting legends associated with Easter

The Legend of the Dogwood Tree, Author unknown.

When Christ was on earth, the dogwood grew

To a towering size with a lovely hue.

Its branches were strong and interwoven

And for Christ's cross, its timbers were chosen

Being distressed, at the use of this wood

Christ made a promise, which still holds good:

"Not ever again shall the dogwood grow

To be large enough for a tree, and so

Slender and twisted it shall always be

With cross-shaped blossoms for all to see.

The petals shall have bloodstains, marked in brown

And in the blossom's centre, a thorny crown.

All who see it, will think of Me,

Nailed to a cross, from a dogwood tree.

Protected and cherished, this tree shall be

A reflection to all, of my agony."

How The Robin Got It's Red Breast

When Jesus was on the road to Calvary, a robin plucked a thorn from the crown of thorns.

A drop of Jesus’ blood fell on the bird's chest turning it red.