Holy Week 2010
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The three days at the heart of Holy Week - Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday - are in fact one long liturgy that tells the story of Christ's Passion and Resurrection.
It is all about a new Covenant of Love that God makes with us - an everlasting covenant. |
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"Holy Week is a journey for millions of Christians all over the world.
It is the one week that makes sense of the entire year, our lives, and a life informed and enriched through Faith." |
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click on the tabs below for images and the story of
Holy Week |
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The population of Jerusalem at Passover swells to more than three times its normal size. It is always a time of tension for the occupying Roman army.
Jesus arrives in the City, seated on a young colt. Palms are waved and laid down along the way - a sign usually reserved for royalty. The crowd welcome him as 'the messiah' the chosen one.
Within a few days they will condemn Jesus, put him on trial, and execute him. |
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"We waved palms, shouted to him in adoration.
Then the mood changed." |
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On Maundy Thursday, the Church recalls how Jesus sat down with his disciples, broke bread and shared it with them. During the meal, he takes off his robes and washes the feet of the disciples. It is an act of love.
It is an act of love, set against a background of betrayal. The meal of the Passover is turned into a new and everlasting Covenant. But after the meal, Jesus will be betrayed and handed over to the Romans for trial. |
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"The communion we receive at mass comes from what Jesus did this night when he broke bread at the Passover." |
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On Good Friday, all ornaments and decorations are taken away. The church is an empty shell.
On this solemn day, we recall how Jesus was led out of the City of Jerusalem to a place of execution and nailed to a cross.
He is placed in the tomb of a stranger and the crowd goes home.
God is abandoned.
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"Forgive them Father, they know not what they do." |
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Holy Saturday is a journey which recalls the promises made throughout the Old Testament and finally fulfilled in Jesus' resurrection.
The women go to the tomb, the day after the execution to annoint the body. But the tomb is empty.
The empty tomb distresses the women. It is politically dangerous for the occupying Roman army.
And the world is left wondering what has happened. |
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Rejoice, heavenly powers! Sing, choirs of angels!
Exult, all creation around God's throne!
Jesus Christ, our King, is risen!
Sound the trumpet of salvation! |
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The question concerning the empty tomb is answered on Easter Sunday.
A stranger asks what has been going on in Jerusalem over the past few days.
It is only later that they realise this stranger is Jesus. |
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"Christ is Risen.
He is risen, indeed.
Alleluia!" |
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