St Mary's Prays
Today marks the beginning of Holy Week, this is the most sacred week in our liturgical calendar. This is a time as Christians where we reflect and recall he events that occurred leading up to Jesus' death and Resurrection.
We begin with PALM SUNDAY, commemorating Jesus' triumphant yet humble entrance via a donkey into Jerusalem to observe the Passover.
Matthew 21:8-11
A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”
The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
MAUNDY THURSDAY, a Latin word meaning commandment, commemorates the day that Jesus washed the feet of his 12 disciples and the celebration of the Passover, now known as The Last Supper with his disciples.
Luke 21:14-20
When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
GOOD FRIDAY commemorates Jesus' suffering and crucifixion at Calvary. This is a somber day where traditionally they fast and is a day of penance.
Matthew 27: 45 - 50
From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli,[a] lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.” Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.” And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
HOLY SATURDAY is the conclusion of Lent.
EASTER SUNDAY is the celebration of Jesus' Resurrection where according to the Gospels, one the third day he rose again therefore fulfilling the prophesy.
Matthew 28: 5-7
The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”