THE LENTEN AND EASTER SEASON (cont'd)
PALM SUNDAY
Sometimes called Passion Sunday, this day commemorates the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Its role is to put the Holy Week into perspective: It begins a gradual progression from the celebration of waving palm branches to the gloom of the Crucifixion. For more information about Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem read: Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, John 12:12-19
HOLY WEEK
A time when Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are compressed into one week, focusing upon the sin of men, the suffering of Jesus and the victory of God.
MAUNDY THURSDAY
Maundy is thought to have come from the Latin term “mandatum novum” which means a new commandment or new mandate. Maundy would then refer to the instructions Jesus gave His disciples in the upper room on the Thursday before Passover, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another” (John 13:34) usually celebrated in churches by participating in Holy Communion. In early centuries, and still today in some places, the day was commemorated with a symbolic washing of feet.
GOOD FRIDAY
The word “good” refers to the great good God was able to accomplish for many in bringing to life the Christ. From the perspective of what man did it truly was “bad’ Friday, but from the post-resurrection perspective of what God did it can be perceived as “good.” It is the most somber day of the Christian year.
EASTER
The annual celebration of the resurrection of Christ, and is the most important date in the Christian year. A day and season when we celebrate God’s victory, through Christ, over sin, hate and death. The dominant note in the celebration of Easter is joy. The risen Christ makes life into a constant celebration of the Lord’s intense love for us and supreme sacrifice on our behalf. When Jesus died He demonstrated that the God who was His Father loved us even to the point of His death.
PENTECOST
A day and season when we rejoice in God’s permanent gift of His Spirit to men who would continue to proclaim the GOOD NEWS of Christ to the whole world.