Palm Sunday: Triumphal Entry Ushers in Holy Week

On Palm Sunday, the Roman Catholic Church commemorates Jesus Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, marking the beginning of Holy Week. According to the Gospels (Matthew 21:1-11), Jesus rode into the city on a donkey, greeted by crowds waving palm branches and proclaiming, “Hosanna!” This event, celebrated as the Passion Sunday, heralds the final days of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Catholic Masses on Palm Sunday begin with a festive procession, where the faithful carry blessed palm branches, symbolizing the crowd’s welcome of Jesus as king. The liturgy then shifts to a somber tone with the reading of the Passion narrative, recounting Jesus’ betrayal, suffering, and death. This juxtaposition invites reflection on the contrast between earthly acclaim and the sacrificial love of the Cross. Palm Sunday calls Catholics to enter Holy Week with reverence, contemplating Jesus’ humility and obedience to God’s will. The blessed palms, often kept in homes, serve as a reminder of Christ’s kingship and the journey from triumph to sacrifice that leads to Easter.

Monday of Holy Week: Beginning the path of the Passion

Jesus Curses the Fig Tree and Cleanses the Temple: A Reflection on Holy Monday:

On the Monday of Holy Week, the Catholic Tradition commemorates two profound events in the life of Jesus Christ, as recounted in the Gospels, which set a solemn tone for the journey toward His Passion. These events—the cursing of the fig tree and the cleansing of the Temple—offer believers a moment to reflect on spiritual fruitfulness and the call to authentic worship. As Jesus and His disciples traveled from Bethany to Jerusalem, they encountered a fig tree lush with leaves but bearing no fruit. In a symbolic act, Jesus cursed the tree, saying, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again” (Mark 11:14). By evening, the tree had withered, serving as a powerful lesson on the importance of genuine faith and good works. Catholic teaching interprets this as a warning against superficial piety, urging the faithful to bear spiritual fruit through love, charity, and devotion. Later that day, Jesus entered the Temple in Jerusalem and was met with a scene of commerce that defiled its sacred purpose. Moneychangers and merchants had turned the house of prayer into a “den of robbers” (Matthew 21:13). In righteous zeal, Jesus overturned their tables and drove them out, declaring, “My house shall be called a house of prayer” (Isaiah 56:7). This cleansing underscores the reverence due to God’s presence and challenges Catholics to purify their hearts as temples of the Holy Spirit.

Tuesday of Holy Week – Jesus Teaches 

Key Points

• Holy Tuesday, April 15, 2025, is a significant day in the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar,marking the third day of Holy Week.
• It commemorates Jesus teaching in the Temple, facing questions, and telling parables like the Two Sons, Tenants, and Wedding Banquet.
• Liturgical readings include Isaiah 49:1-6, Psalm 71:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 15, 17, and John 13:21-33,36-38.
• Traditions include housecleaning, scripture reflection, and a prayer focusing on gratitude and friendship with God.

Historical Events:

On Holy Tuesday, Jesus continued his ministry in Jerusalem, teaching in the Temple and facing questions from religious leaders about his authority. He responded with parables that emphasized faith, obedience, and love for God and neighbor, including the Parables of the Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-32), the Tenants (Matthew 21:33-46), and the Wedding Banquet (Matthew22:1-14). These parables illustrate themes of repentance, stewardship, and readiness for God’s kingdom. Additionally, the anointing at Bethany (Matthew 26:6-13), where a woman poured expensive perfume on Jesus, is associated with this day, symbolizing preparation for his burial.

Liturgical Observances:

The Roman Catholic Church observes Holy Tuesday with specific liturgical readings that reflect on Christ’s Passion and prepare the faithful for the solemn commemorations of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday.

Spy Wednesday: Betrayal Marks Holy Week

On Spy Wednesday, the Roman Catholic Church solemnly recalls Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus Christ during Holy Week. According to the Gospels (Matthew 26:14-16), Judas, one of the Twelve Apostles, agreed to hand over Jesus to the authorities for thirty pieces of silver, setting the stage for the Passion. Catholic liturgies on this day emphasize repentance and the gravity of sin. Gospel readings highlight Judas’ actions against Jesus’ steadfast love, urging the faithful to reflect on their own fidelity. In some parishes, the Tenebrae service, with its haunting psalms and readings, deepens the meditative mood as the Triduum approaches. Spy Wednesday calls Catholics to seek forgiveness and renew their commitment to Christ, who faced betrayal yet embraced the Cross for humanity’s salvation. As Holy Week unfolds, believers are invited to journey with Jesus, contemplating His sacrifice and boundless mercy.

Holy Thursday: A Night of Love and Service

On Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday in the Roman Catholic tradition, the Church commemorates the profound events of Jesus Christ’s Last Supper with His disciples, as recounted in the Gospels (John 13:1-15, Luke 22:14-20). This sacred day, marking the start of the Paschal Triduum, celebrates the institution of the Eucharist and the priesthood, as well as Jesus’ example of humble service. During the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Catholics recall Jesus washing the feet of His disciples, a powerful act of humility and love. This ritual, often reenacted by priests, underscores the call to serve others. The Mass also honors the moment Jesus established the Eucharist, sharing bread and wine as His Body and Blood, a cornerstone of Catholic faith. After Mass, the altar is stripped, and the Blessed Sacrament is processed to an altar of repose, where the faithful keep vigil, recalling Jesus’ agony in Gethsemane. Holy Thursday invites Catholics to deepen their devotion to the Eucharist and embrace Christ’s command to love and serve one another. As the Triduum continues, the Church prepares for the solemn remembrance of Jesus’ Passion and Resurrection.

Good Friday: A Day of Sacrifice and Sorrow

On Good Friday, the Roman Catholic Church solemnly commemorates the Passion and death of Jesus Christ on the Cross, a pivotal moment in the Holy Week journey. This day, part of the Paschal Triduum, is marked by fasting, prayer, and reflection on the immense sacrifice Jesus made for humanity’s redemption, as described in the Gospels (John 19:16-30).Catholic churches hold the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion, a liturgy featuring the reading of the Passion narrative, veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion. The altar remains bare, and no Mass is celebrated, emphasizing the somber reality of Christ’s crucifixion. Many parishes also pray the Stations of the Cross, retracing Jesus’ path to Calvary, inviting the faithful to meditate on His suffering and love. Good Friday calls Catholics to contemplate the cost of sin and the depth of God’s mercy. It is a day of quiet mourning and gratitude, as believers honor Jesus’ ultimate act of self-giving, preparing their hearts for the joy of Easter.

Holy Saturday: A Day of Silent Waiting

On Holy Saturday, the Roman Catholic Church observes a profound stillness, commemorating the day Jesus Christ lay in the tomb after His crucifixion. This day, the final day of the Paschal Triduum, is marked by quiet reflection and anticipation of the Resurrection, as the Gospels note the Sabbath rest following Jesus’ death (Luke 23:56).In Catholic tradition, no Mass is celebrated during the day, and churches remain bare, symbolizing the absence of Christ, the Light of the World. The faithful are encouraged to pray, fast, and meditate on Jesus’ sacrifice and the hope of His victory over death. Many parishes hold morning prayers or liturgies of the hours, fostering a sense of solemn waiting. The day culminates in the Easter Vigil, celebrated after nightfall, which begins in darkness and bursts into light with the lighting of the Paschal candle, proclaiming Christ’s Resurrection. Holy Saturday invites Catholics to embrace this sacred pause, trusting in God’s promise of new life as they prepare to rejoice in Easter’s triumph.

Easter Sunday: Christ’s Resurrection Brings Joy

On Easter Sunday, the Roman Catholic Church celebrates the triumphant Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Marking the culmination of Holy Week and the Paschal Triduum, this joyous day proclaims Jesus’ victory over sin and death, as recounted in the Gospels (John 20:1-9).Catholic churches worldwide resound with Alleluia hymns during festive Masses, where the faithful gather to honor Christ’s rising from the tomb. The liturgy begins with the renewal of baptismal promises, symbolizing new life in Christ, and the Paschal candle shines brightly, representing the Risen Lord. Parishes often adorn altars with flowers, reflecting the hope and glory of the Resurrection. Easter Sunday invites Catholics to rejoice in God’s promise of eternal life and to share the Good News of salvation. Following the somber days of Lent and the Passion, this day radiates with faith, love, and the assurance that Christ has overcome the grave, inspiring believers to live in the light of His Resurrection.