Holy Week, or Semana Santa, is very significant for Christian believers as it is the sacred week leading to Easter Sunday. This marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ after He offered Himself for the salvation of the world.
As a reflection on this important moment, let us take a closer look at the stories commemorated each day of Holy Week.
Palm Sunday: The Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem
Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ victorious entry into Jerusalem riding a donkey. People who were celebrating the Passover joyfully laid down palm branches along His path. This day also marks the beginning of Holy Week and the approaching days of Jesus’ suffering for the sins of the world.
Holy Monday: Jesus Cleanses the Temple
The cleansing of the temple in Jerusalem is remembered on Holy Monday. During this time, Jesus drove out those who were selling animals and exchanging money, turning the sacred place into a marketplace. He rebuked them, saying, “Take these things out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace.”
Holy Tuesday: Jesus Teaches in Parables
Holy Tuesday celebrates Jesus’ continued teachings in Jerusalem through parables, which angered the Pharisees and Sadducees. On this day, Jesus also revealed to His disciples that He would be crucified.
Holy Wednesday: Judas’ Betrayal of Jesus
Also known as Spy Wednesday, Holy Wednesday is when Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus. It is believed that during this time, Judas began looking for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to the chief priests.
Maundy Thursday: The Institution of the Eucharist
Maundy Thursday commemorates the Institution of the Eucharist. It was during the Last Supper that Jesus offered the bread and the cup as symbols of remembrance of Him. This day also recalls Jesus’ washing of His disciples’ feet as a powerful act of humility and service.
Good Friday: Jesus’ Death for the Sins of the World
Good Friday observes the crucifixion and death of Jesus, who offered His life for the salvation of the world. This solemn day also remembers the 14 Stations of the Cross and the Seven Last Words spoken by Jesus before He died.
Black Saturday: The Burial of Jesus
Black Saturday, or Sabado de Gloria, reflects on the day Jesus was laid in the tomb. It is a day of mourning and grief, representing the sorrow experienced by Jesus’ disciples and followers after His death.
Easter Sunday: The Resurrection of Jesus
Also known as the Feast of the Resurrection, Easter Sunday is the most joyful day for Christians. It celebrates Jesus’ return to life three days after His crucifixion, signifying victory over sin and death.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy, He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” – 1 Peter 1:3
As Holy Week unfolds, each day invites the faithful into deep reflection on the life, sacrifice, and triumph of Jesus Christ. From the waving of palm branches on His entry into Jerusalem to the solemn silence of His burial, and finally, to the joyous celebration of His resurrection, Christians are reminded of the depth of God’s love and the hope that comes with Christ’s victory over death.
