Holy Week begins with our Lord’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem (March 29th) and concludes when His lifeless body is laid to rest in a tomb and a large stone is rolled across the entrance. (April 4th)
Each day Jesus is lining up the details to fulfill His words, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13). Holy Week at St. John’s is a biblical journey. We hear an abundance of God’s Word and our historic liturgies in the Book of Common Prayer allow each of us to participate in the Word.
In Holy Week we will read the following 19 readings this year. In addition are the supporting readings from the Old Testament, the Psalms, and the New Testament letters. Simply amazing!
- Triumphal entry into Jerusalem……..Mark 11:1-11.
- Jesus is anointed at Bethany……..Mark 14:3-9.
- Jesus cleanses the Temple……..Mark 11:15-19
- Conspiracy against Jesus……..Mark 14:1-2.
- Betrayal of Jesus by Judas……..Mark 14:10-46.
- Foot-washing……..John 13:3-17.
- The Lord’s Supper……..Mark 14:22-25
- Peter’s denial of Jesus……..Mark 14:26-72.
- Jesus in Gethsemane……..Mark 14:32-42.
- Jesus is arrested……..Mark 14:43-52.
- Jesus before Caiaphas……..Mark 14:53-65.
- Jesus before Pilate……..Mark 15:1-5.
- Jesus before Herod……..Luke 23:6-12.
- Jesus sentenced to die……..Mark 15:6-15.
- Jesus mocked……..Mark 15:16-20.
- The road to Golgotha……..Mark 15:21.
- Jesus’ crucifixion and death……..Mark 15:22-41.
- Jesus’ burial……..Mark 15:42-47.
- The guard at the tomb……..Matthew 27:62-66.
Christians are formed in and by the biblical story. The biblical language of Holy Week is the language of divine love that is engaging the human heart and will. The Book of Common Prayer offers Christians the true worship that Jesus told the samaritan woman at the well about. “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth; and indeed the Father seeks such people to worship him.” (John 4:23)
As you enter into Holy Week consider offering the following prayer to ask the Holy Spirit to led you into the biblical narratives and discover a fruitful Holy Week. “Assist us mercifully with Your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that we may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby You have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Amen. (BCP 270)
