Dear Parents and Caregivers
Holy Week 2021
The week leading up to Easter is often known as Holy Week. Last Sunday at Mass we celebrated Palm Sunday, the day Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem as a King. Throughout this week, we know many things happened to Jesus but the most significant days or events are those that happen across the Paschal Triduum.
On Holy Thursday, the first day of the triduum, the feast of Passover is celebrated and Jesus shares this special meal with his friends. A room is prepared and Jesus along with his disciples celebrate the Passover feast. During the meal, Jesus washes his disciples’ feet as an act of love and service. He also speaks to them of betrayal and denial.
Following the feast, Jesus goes to the Mount of Olives where he prays. Those who follow, are too weak to stay awake and much to Jesus’ dismay they fall asleep. It is during this time that Judas appears and betrays him. Jesus is led away and taken to face the council of high priests, chief priests, elders and scribes.
During his trial, the high priest asks if Jesus is the Son of the Blessed One to which he replies ‘if you say so.’ This answer seals his fate. Jesus is taken to the Roman named Pilate. He does not respond to any of the accusations that are brought against Him and this surprises Pilate. He has the power to release Jesus but it seems that Jesus doesn’t want this.
On Good Friday, the second day of the triduum, Jesus is forced to carry the cross on which he is to be crucified. He is tired, beaten and struggles on the journey. On arrival at the place where Jesus is to be crucified, he is nailed to the cross and mocked. Jesus calls out to His Father and then he dies.
As the Sabbath is quickly approaching, Joseph of Arimathea a council member, asks to bury Jesus’ body. Once Pilate has received word that indeed Jesus is dead, he allows Joseph to take the body. Having received permission, Joseph wraps Jesus’ body in linen cloth and lays it in the tomb. A stone is then rolled against the door of the tomb so that no one can enter the tomb and take Jesus’ body.
After nightfall on Holy Saturday, the third day of the triduum, we celebrate an Easter vigil service, which represents the faithful awaiting the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his burial. The Easter Vigil is considered the pinnacle of the Easter Triduum, and is usually celebrated with a devotion equal to that bestowed to Easter itself.
Easter Sunday then marks the end of the Triduum. This is the day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and the beginning of the seven-week Easter season that will end on Pentecost Sunday.
As we prepare for Easter we reflect on the teachings of Jesus and his great love for human kind that he was prepared to give His life for us. This week, we spend time in reflection on the events that led to the Crucifixion of Jesus and his Resurrection at Easter.
Wishing you all a happy and holy Easter.
Grace Vassallo-Wakefield
Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission