Holy Week Reflections

As we focus on “Holy Week” activities, many of us miss God’s unfolding drama during the last week of Jesus’ earthly life. We get caught up in the excitement and celebration of “Palm Sunday” and then move directly to Easter to celebrate his resurrection.

Palm Sunday marks Jesus triumphal entry into the holy city of Jerusalem. The spreading of palm branches and garments in his path symbolized the welcome of one who was thought to be the promised deliverer. The shouts of “Hosanna” were serious requests for deliverance motivated by high hopes of the people. But as the week progressed, feelings toward the one who came riding on the back of a meek animal changed to cries of “crucify him.” The people were disappointed. Jesus did not meet their desired expectations. His way was one of love and peace, and did not include the expected violent upheaval and overthrow of the controlling oppressive authority.

So here we are, as people of faith, over two thousand years later observing “Holy Week,”seeking to understand the meaning and implications of what transpired. We read of Jesus’ other activities after his entry into Jerusalem: his anger toward the moneychangers, time spent with friends, his reflection, solitude, and planning for the observance of the traditional religious celebration of Passover with his closest friends and followers, all of which culminated in two astounding events.

Today is “Holy Thursday,” and we recall the time when Jesus demonstrated the ultimate act of servanthood and the transforming power of his Last Supper with his disciples. Water, basin, a towel, dirty feet, a loaf of bread, and a cup of wine became symbols and signs of God’s love in action. So tonight, we will respond to the invitation: “Do this in remembrance of me.”

“Good Friday” follows as we recall the time when Jesus demonstrated the ultimate act of selfless sacrifice and death on a cross. No one part of the story makes complete sense apart from the other. It is all a part of God’s divine drama and message of salvation for humanity, summing up God’s actions of grace and love. And then comes Sunday. It is then that we discover and proclaim the rest of the story. The best is yet to come!