SEVEN DAYS OF SACRIFICES

          Holy week is the most liturgical week of Christians. Its seven-day length gives us time to reflect upon the shift in humanity Jesus' sacrifice by being crucified at the cross. Holy week honors Jesus' crucifixion and last days.  The Holy Week comprises Palm Sunday (sixth Sunday of Lent), Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, Holy Wednesday (Spy Wednesday), Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday), Good Friday, and Holy Saturday (Black Saturday) and Easter Sunday, the day Christians commemorate Jesus' resurrection, comes before Holy Week.

Palm Sunday--- It recalls the time Jesus last entered Jerusalem before crucifixion. This day, Jesus passed by the crowds of Jerusalem as they waved palm branches at him. It serves as a reminder of our willingness to accept Jesus into our hearts and follow him. 

Ash Wednesday--- Catholics are required to refrain from meat on Ash Wednesday and to eat less overall because it is a day of fasting and abstinence. As Catholics are urged to examine their consciences and seek reconciliation with God, it is also a day of prayer and reflection.

Holy Thursday--- As many priests from the diocese as are able to attend the special Holy Thursday Mass, which is said in cathedral churches as a solemn commemoration of Christ's institution of the priesthood. The bishop blesses the Chrism Oil used for baptism and confirmation during this "Chrism Mass."

Good Friday--- Catholics are restricted from eating meat on Good Friday since it is a day of fasting. On Good Friday, there is customarily no Mass or Eucharistic liturgy. The hosts used for communion, if it is taken, were consecrated on Holy Thursday. A liturgy may still be held. Bells in churches are silent.

Holy Saturday--- In the Christian calendar, Holy Saturday is a noteworthy day because it recalls the period when Jesus Christ's body was in the tomb following his crucifixion on Good Friday. It is thought that after Jesus died, his body was taken down from the cross and placed in a recently constructed tomb. Lighting lights and fires to represent Christ's transition from death to life and ringing bells to represent the joyful conclusion of Lent are also possible parts of the vigil celebration.

and Lastly, Easter Sunday--- Easter Sunday symbolizes the fulfillment of our faith as Christians. Through His Death, Christ destroyed our bondage to sin; through His Resurrection, He brought us the promise of new life, both in Heaven and on earth. His own prayer, "Thy Kingdom come, on earth as it is in Heaven," begins to be fulfilled on Easter Sunday.

The essence of Holy Week is realizing and reflecting the sacrifices made by Jesus Christ to give the humanity the chance for salvation and eternal life to the world. May his life and death inspire us to wash other people's feet.