This Sunday we begin the most important week in the Christian tradition. It commences with Palm Sunday and leads us to Holy Saturday.
Holy Week, as it is known, is the final week of Lent. However, by Wednesday, we recall that the crowd had turned against him and his disciples begin to waiver. We recall how Jesus gathers his disciples on Holy Thursday in an act of service and commissioning. He washes their feet and calls them to love one another as he has loved them.
He breaks bread and shares wine commemorating the commitment that binds them and what will be remembered for over two thousand years as the Eucharist which we continue to celebrate today. The darkest moment during Holy Week is Good Friday. You may be asking why I am recalling these events which are widely known. In fact, a good question might be why, each year, do we recall the actual events of Holy Week that I have outlined above? Firstly, I think the answer resides in the fact that we love recalling stories that bring us happiness and joy.
We recall moments of adversity and how they were overcome. We do this because it brings us closer together β we can all relate to these experiences and in most cases, it is because the story brings us hope and comfort and helps us face the future with the promise of a new beginning. The story of Easter is no different, in fact, it is the greatest story ever told because of the hope that it brings to our lives.
In recalling the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, we are invited to become part of a community which believes in new beginnings, a community that supports each other, especially when we face adversity and despair. It gives us hope and the promise of new life founded on love and service.
