Holy Week

Robert Webber writes,

The season of Lent officially ends on the Thursday evening of Holy Week. Thursday evening begins what the ancient church called the Triduum, or the three great days. These are the days in which we mark the final events of Jesus’ life. On Thursday night Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper, washed the feet of his disciples, spoke the new commandment of love, and was arrested. The service that remembers this event is called Maunday (new) Thursday.

Friday is the day on which Christ was crucified. Today his death is remembered with a number of services such as the Seven Last Words and the Veneration of the Cross. On Saturday during the day, the Lord’s body rests in repose.

The three great days end with the Great Paschal Vigil, a Saturday night service of fire, Scripture readings, baptism, and the resurrection Eucharist. Lent and the three great days are over. Christ is risen.

Alleluia!

Let us take time to set aside this week as Holy. To finish lent continuing to “put off” those things that have impeded our steps to Christ and look with expectation to the Pachal Triduum where we will remember Him who has given us new life.

Today’s Collect

Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. -BCP