Preparing for Holy Week
Holy Week is a sacred time in the Christian calendar when believers reflect on the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It’s an opportunity to deepen our relationship with Him and to re-center our lives on the hope and redemption He offers.
Holy Week dates back to the earliest days of the Church. By the 4th century, Christians were commemorating the events of Jesus’ final days through distinct liturgies and practices. Each day of the week holds profound significance:
- Palm Sunday: The Gospel of Mark’s Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, as crowds laid palm branches at His feet and proclaimed Him as King.
- Holy Monday to Wednesday: A time to reflect on Jesus’ teachings and actions leading up to His passion. The Gospel narratives highlight His cleansing of the temple, the anointing at Bethany, and His foretelling of Judas’ betrayal.
- Holy Thursday: Focuses on the Last Supper, when Jesus instituted the Eucharist and gave the command to “love one another as I have loved you.” It is also the night of His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.
- Good Friday: A solemn day marking the crucifixion and death of Jesus. It’s a day of fasting, prayer, and reverence for the profound sacrifice of the cross.
- Holy Saturday: A day of quiet waiting, meditating on Jesus’ body lying in the tomb, and anticipating His resurrection.
- Easter Sunday: The joyous celebration of Jesus’ victory over sin and death through His resurrection.
Practical Ways to Deepen Your Faith During Holy Week
- Embrace a Heart of Repentance
Holy Week is a time to reflect on our sinfulness and need for a Savior. Spend time in prayer, confessing sins, and asking God for a heart that is more like Christ’s. Consider participating in the Sacrament of Reconciliation if your tradition practices it. - Commit to Daily Scripture Reading
Read and meditate on the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ passion (e.g., Matthew 26–28, Mark 14–16, Luke 22–24, John 18–20). Let His journey from betrayal to resurrection speak deeply into your life. - Participate in Church Services
Engage in the rich liturgies of Holy Week. Attend services for Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Service. These moments immerse us in the story of salvation and unite us with the global Church. - Fast and Pray Intentionally
Follow Jesus’ example of fasting and prayer during this week. Consider fasting from food, social media, or distractions that pull you away from God. Use the time to draw closer to Him in quiet reflection. - Serve Others in Love
Live out the servant-hearted love Jesus demonstrated. Volunteer, donate to those in need, or simply perform small acts of kindness. This is a powerful way to embody the love of Christ. - Walk the Way of the Cross
If possible, participate in a Stations of the Cross devotion or meditate on each station privately. Reflecting on Jesus’ suffering helps us enter into His sacrifice with reverence and gratitude. - Set Aside Time for Silence
Holy Week invites us to slow down and listen. Create space for silence and solitude each day, asking God to speak to your heart. This can be especially meaningful on Good Friday and Holy Saturday. - Celebrate the Joy of Easter Fully
Prepare your heart for the joy of Easter Sunday by reflecting on the hope we have in Christ. Decorate your home, plan to gather with loved ones, and celebrate the resurrection with joy and thanksgiving.
A Prayer for Holy Week Preparation
Heavenly Father,
As we enter Holy Week, help us to walk closely with Jesus. Open our hearts to His love, His sacrifice, and His victory. Guide us to repent of our sins, embrace Your grace, and live out Your call to love. May this sacred time deepen our faith, unite us with the Church, and prepare us to celebrate the joy of the resurrection. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.