An Inkling
We call it “Holy Week.” But that doesn’t mean that it’s made of silver or gives off mysterious smoke. In the scripture the word “holy” first describes God, and the quality of his being that sets him apart from the ordinary. God is holy, and through Jesus we are welcomed into his holy presence, and are even made holy ourselves.
What is Holy Week? Its celebration goes back at least to fourth century Jerusalem. It’s no surprise that the saints there, with the places of the passion all around, would come to celebrate the events leading to Jesus’ resurrection. The custom soon spread, and so Holy Week has been celebrated ever since.
So how is a week holy? The simple answer is that it is not. It’s no different than any other week, in that we celebrate Jesus’ death and resurrection every week. Yet the church discovered that our every week celebration is enhanced by a special week with a singular focus on the last week of Jesus’ earthly life. For in that week the holiness of God was most clearly revealed. Thus its celebration is called “Holy Week.”
Holy Week begins this Sunday with Palm Sunday. We’ll celebrate the Lord’s glorious entry into Jerusalem and his reign in our lives. Then comes Maundy Thursday. “Maundy” is from the Latin word mandatum (mandate), recalling that Jesus mandated his remembrance in bread and cup. Our service is at 7:00 p.m. On Good Friday we will gather at noon for a service that focuses upon the cross. Then on Easter, we’ll have a grand resurrection celebration at each of our worship services.
What are you doing for Holy Week? How about following a centuries old tradition by gathering with other Christians to worship the One who is wholly holy. Part of the good news is that it (God’s holiness) does rub off, making for…
Holy Presbyterians!
Keith
