Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday commemorates the
Triumphal entry into Jerusalem described in all four canonical gospels. As
described in the accounts, Jesus's entry into Jerusalem was noted by the crowds
present who shouted praises and waved palm branches, singing part of Psalm 118: 25–26 – “Blessed is
He who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless you from the house of the Lord.” ( Matthew 21:1-17, Mark 11:1-11, Luke
19:28-39, John 12:12-19 )
Holy Monday
On
Holy Monday, some observe the anointing of Jesus at Bethany (John
12:1-11). Other
events which the Gospels tell of which may have occurred on this day include cleansing
of the Temple (Matthew 21:12-13, Mark 11:15-17 Luke 19:45-48), and
the questioning of Jesus’ authority. (Matthew 21:23-27, Mark 11:27-33, Luke 20:1-8)
Fig Tuesday
On Holy Tuesday, some observe Jesus'
predictions of his own death, ( John 12:20-36) and the
cursing the fig tree. ( Matthew 21:18—19, Mark 11:12-14)
Spy Wednesday
On Holy Wednesday, the story of Judas
arranging his betrayal of Jesus with the chief priests is remembered. ( Matthew 26:14-16, Mark 14:10-11, Luke 22:1-6 )
For this reason, the day is sometimes called "Spy Wednesday"
Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday (also known as Holy
Thursday) commemorates the Last Supper, where Christ lays out the model for the
Eucharist or Holy Communion. ( Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, Luke 22:39-46 ) During the meal, Jesus predicted the events that would
immediately follow, including his betrayal ( Matthew 26:21-25, Mark 14:17-21 ), the Denial of Peter ( Matthew 26:31-35, Mark 14:27-31,
Luke 22:31-34, John 13:36-38 ), and his death and resurrection ( Matthew 26:32, Mark 14:28,John 13:33-34 ).
Good Friday
Good Friday commemorates the
crucifixion of Jesus and his subsequent death. ( Matthew 27:1-61, Mark 15:1-41, Luke 23:1-49, John
19:1-37)
Black Saturday
( Matthew 27:62-66, Mark 15:42-47,
Luke 23:50-56, John 19:38-42 )
Holy Saturday is the day between the
crucifixion of Jesus and his resurrection. As the Sabbath day, the Gospel
accounts all note that Jesus was hurriedly buried in a cave tomb after his
crucifixion, with the intent to finish proper embalming and burial ceremonies
on Sunday, after the Sabbath had ended, as the Sabbath day prohibitions would
have prevented observant Jews from completing a proper burial.
Easter Sunday
( Matthew 28:1-15, Mark 16:1-11, Luke
24:1-12, John 200:1-18 )
Easter Day, which immediately follows
Holy Week and begins with the Easter Vigil, is the great feast day and apogee
of the Christian liturgical year: on this day the Resurrection of Jesus Christ
is celebrated. It is the first day of the new season of the Great Fifty Days,
or Eastertide, which runs from Easter Day to Pentecost Sunday. The Resurrection
of Christ on Easter Day is the main reason why Christians keep every Sunday as
the primary day of religious observance.
