The Holy Week comprising of Palm Sunday, Passover Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday has a great significance in the life of a Christian believer. This is the week that symbolizes the virtues of the Christian religion and demonstrates how Christ lived these qualities as a role model for his believers to follow. Here are some of my interpretations of these four events during the Holy Week.
Palm Sunday
For the Jews, Jesus was a ray of hope and was considered a redeemer to free them from the oppression of the Roman rule. His teachings were powerful and He spoke with authority. Palm Sunday is the day when Christ was honored and hailed as a ‘Messiah’ (savior) on the streets of Jerusalem. He was given an ovation of a king and people sang ‘Hosannas’ to the Messiah. The atmosphere was of joy and merriment because people believed that it was just a matter of time before Jesus fought against the Romans to free the Jews from oppression. People didn’t realize that God had a different plan and the plan was about to unfold during this week. Palm Sunday is a good reminder to honoring God and making our needs known to Him.
Passover Thursday
Then we move on to the Passover Thursday (also called Maundy Thursday). Before His death on the cross on Good Friday, Jesus called his disciples together for a last supper on Thursday. During the supper He washed the disciples’ feet and made them realize that they should be good servants in this world to become great leaders. He became a role model for them and showed them what is expected of them as followers of Jesus. On this day, He also initiated the Holy sacrament of communion. This is the sacrament that the believers partake in every Holy Mass. By becoming a part of the flesh and blood of Christ, we remember His sacrifices towards the human race. Passover Thursday teaches us humility and compassion towards each others in our society, how as Christians we should be extremely down to earth and always willing to serve.
Good Friday
Good Friday (also called ‘Sad Friday’ in many parts of the world) is the day when Christ was nailed to the cross for our sins. This is the day when He suffered in flesh even though He was God. This is the day when He took all the insults and mockery offered by this world upon Him and didn’t complain even a word. He was obedient until death. He could have freed himself from the judgment of Pilates; He could have saved himself from the brutality and cruel death. But instead he decided to go all the way. He was obedient to His father and didn’t say no. He also asked His father to forgive all those who made Him suffer. Good Friday is a good way to learn how a Christian should be. Obedient to God unto death, suffering in this world but holding steadfast to the faith and promise that God has given us, forgiving ones enemies and praying for them and finally laying our lives for others.
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday is the day when our Lord was resurrected from the dead. When all hopes were gone and people started doubting His teachings and way of life, Jesus rose from the dead only to prove his distracters wrong and all the prophets and scriptures right. It was a victory for His poor and the staunch believers but shame and surprise for His opponents. A new era had begun. Hope was triumphant and He was vindicated. Easter reminds us of a new beginning in life. It’s a promise that after all the sufferings and pain, there is still hope in this world.
We may have a lot of sinful baggages in our life but the Lenten season gives us the chance to once again introspect ourselves, turn to God, follow his footsteps, confess and repent on our sins and be a new creation on the Easter day.
God Bless You!!!
