We have reached the half-way point in Lent, and in the midst of this season of reflection and repentance, we can begin to long for the Easter Celebration we know is coming. However, before we rejoice in the resurrection, we observe Holy Week.   

Holy Week is equal parts joy and sorrow, remembrance and revelation. This sacred week begins with Palm Passion Sunday when we enter Jerusalem with Jesus to the cheers of the crowds. Historically, we wave palms and sing, “All Glory, Laud and Honor.” 

In the Lutheran church, we pay special attention to the Triduum or the trio of Jesus’ last days. This includes Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. The term “Maundy” comes from the Latin “mandatum;” it is from a verb that means “to give” or “to order” — command. After Jesus and the disciples finished the Last Supper and walked toward Gethsemane, Jesus taught them this — “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another” (John 13:34). By washing his disciples’ feet, Jesus models the importance of serving others as a way to follow him. We partake in the Eucharist during the Maundy Thursday service to be strengthened for this life of service. The altar is stripped and remains bare until the end of Holy Saturday. 

During the service on Good Friday, we read the account of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion. Often, a prayer vigil begins and people come to pray and meditate. This continues through Holy Saturday which is, as Bishop Eaton has explained it, a pause in which we remember those who have passed on in the last year, light candles and anticipate the coming resurrection.

Holy Week concludes with Easter Sunday, the joyful celebration that we have prepared for through Lenten repentance and Holy Week reflection. Due to COVID, Saint Peter will not be hosting any in-person services or vigils. However, there are still many opportunities for us to gather in community online, and within our own home “church” spaces.  

Following are the opportunities to participate in Holy Week both through worship and in your home:

Palm Sunday (March 28) - Online worship service at 9:30 a.m., open Resurrection eggs with Miss Mary

Wednesday Evening Prayer (March 31) - Online prayer service at 7:00 p.m., Lenten Reflection and Repentance at 7:30 p.m. on Zoom

Maundy Thursday (April 1) - Online prayer service at 7:00 p.m., personal foot-washing with family members

Good Friday (April 2) - Online Stations of the Cross at 7:00 p.m., participate in the online prayer vigil, personal prayers and meditations

Holy Saturday (April 3) - Personal prayers, meditation and candle lighting in remembrance for those who completed their baptismal journey in the last year

Easter Sunday (April 4) - Online worship service at 9:30 a.m., shake your alleluia sticks

StPLC Contemplative Ministries will be providing meditation and contemplation resources in the coming couple of weeks to help guide you on your journey, including an article in the next issue of the Our Life Together on how to create a sacred space in your own home.