Holy Week services, March, 2018
Holy Week between Palm Sunday and Easter is the most sacred time of year. It’s remembering Jesus’ triumph, suffering and resurrection. Ultimately it’s about ours. From our Baptism liturgy- "We thank you, Father, for the water of Baptism. In it we are buried with Christ in his death. By it we share in his resurrection. Through it we are reborn by the Holy Spirit." Every Sunday is an Easter.
Walk with Jesus in his suffering and share in his resurrection during Holy Week.
We have three services – Wed (Tenebrae), Thurs (Maunday Thursday), and Friday (Good Friday) all at 7pm as well as Easter Sunday at 11am to explore the events and meanings of this important week in the life of the Church.
The Biblical verses below will lead you along Jesus’ path during Holy Week. After each day there is a link from "Progression of Faith" that includes a summary based on The LastWeek (Borg/ Crossan) as well as other commentaries.
There are a series of focus links to examine other topics, such as Holy Week Art and a special presentation on Leonardo’s Last Supper. The music of Holy Week is explored by examining Bach’s Passion works, St. Matthew and St. John’s Passion.
Lectionary discussion for Easter, Year B
Sunday, March 25 , 2018– Palm Sunday
Giotto di Bonde, Entry into Jerusalem (1304-06), Fresco, Cappella Scrovegni (Arena Chapel), Padua
Palm Sunday is the hinge between Lent and Holy Week. Here is a page that uncovers the meaning of the day
Bishop Curry sets the scene
Palm Sunday in scripture
Jesus, at the Mount of Olives, sends two disciples to secure a donkey and a colt; makes his “triumphal entry” into Jerusalem; weeps over Jerusalem
The Trek from the Mount of Olives
Luke 19:28-40
Matthew 21:1-11
Mark 11:1-10
John 12:12-15
Some Greeks seek Jesus John 12:20-36
Jesus enters the temple area, then returns to Bethany
Mark 11:11
Matthew 21:17
Commentaries
Video Introduction to Palm Sunday
Holy Week Timeline – Palm Sunday
What happened on Palm Sunday ?
The Problem of Palm Sunday
Progression of Faith Blog – Palm Sunday
Holy Week Visual Timeline
2018
Service Readings 2018
Bulletin 2018
Service Review 2018
Sermon 2018
Photos 2018
Videos 2018
2017
Catherine’s 2017 sermon – Praying in Gethsemene
Service Review 2017
Photos 2017
Photo Gallery "Dogwood, Tulips and Spring Green"
From the service – 2014 -2016
Catherine’s 2014 sermon
Catherine’s 2015 service introduction
Special -Remembering the Belfry construction, 2012 – Jim Heimbach’s photos. Easter week is a time of remembrance. In that spirit it is appropriate to present these pictures to celebrate this achievement.
Monday, March 26 – The Temple
Jesus Cleansing the Temple
On Monday morning Jesus and the Twelve leave Bethany to return to Jerusalem, and along the way Jesus curses the fig tree
Fig Tree is cursed –
Mark 11:12-14
Matthew 21:18-19
Jesus enters Jerusalem and clears the temple
Temple Protest –
Mark 11:15-19
Matthew 21:12-13
Luke 19:45-46
John 2:13-17
In the evening Jesus and the Twelve leave Jerusalem (returning to Bethany )
Mark 11:19
Focus on Holy Week – Art of Holy Week
Commentaries
Video Introduction, Monday
Holy Week timeline, Monday
Holy Week Timeline- Monday and Tuesday
What happened on Monday of Holy Week?
No turning back (Monday)
Progression of Faith Blog – Monday
Brothers of St. John the Evangelist- Praying Monday in Holy Week
Tuesday, March 27, 2018- The End Times
Titus Destroying Jerusalem (Wilhelm von Kaulbach)
Jesus’ disciples see the withered fig tree on their return to Jerusalem from Bethany. As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots.
Fig Tree part 2 –
Mark 11:20-25
Matthew 21:20-22
Jesus engages in conflict with the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem
There are 4 confrontations :
1. Jesus Authority challenged (Matthew 21:23
2. Parable of the troublesome tenant (Matthew 21:33)
3 Paying taxes to Caesar (Matthew 22:15)
4. The Greatest commandment (Matthew 22:23)
Matthew 21:23-23:39
Luke 20:1—21:4
Mark 12:1-44
The Disciples marvel at the Temple; Jesus delivers the Olivet Discourse on their return to Bethany from Jerusalem about the Temple and end times.
Prophecy about the Temple – Mark 13:1-2
Prophecy about the Future –
Mark 13:3-37,
Mathew 24:3-25:46,
Matthew 26:1-2
Matthew 24:1-25:46
Luke 21:5-36
John 12:20–38
Today, Judas was working on the details of the betrayal of Christ and was paid 30 pieces of silver.
Matthew 26:14-16
Commentaries
Video Introduction, Tuesday
Holy Week Timeline- Tuesday
Holy Week Timeline- Monday and Tuesday
The Four Traps on Tuesday
What Happened on Tuesday of Holy Week ?
Progression of Faith Blog – Tuesday
Brothers of St. John the Evangelist- Praying Tuesday in Holy Week
Wednesday, March 28, 2018 – The Plot and the Perfume
Jesus continues his daily teaching in the Temple
With Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread approaching, the chief priests, elders, and scribes plot to kill Jesus
Plot to Kill Jesus
Mark 14:1-2
Matthew 26:3-5
Luke 22:1-2
The anointing at Bethany – Mark 14:3-9
Satan enters Judas, who seeks out the Jewish authorities in order to betray Jesus for a price
Judas goes to meet with chief priests –
Mark 14:10-11
Matthew 26:14-16
Luke 22:3-6
Commentaries
Video Introduction to Wednesday
Holy Week Timeline- Wednesday
Holy Week Visual Timeline- Wednesday, Thursday
Spy Wednesday
What Happened on Wednesday of Holy Week ?
Brothers of SSJE comment on betrayal
Progression of Faith Blog – Wednesday
Brothers of St. John the Evangelist – Praying Wednesday of Holy Week
Tenebrae 7pm, March 28.
Bulletin 2018
Service Readings for Wednesday
Photos 2018
Description 2018
Thursday, March 29, 2018 – The Arrest
Jesus instructs Peter and John to secure a large upper room in a house in Jerusalem and to prepare for the Passover meal
Preparations for the Meal – Mark 14:12-16
Matthew 26:17-19
Luke 22:7-13
In the evening Jesus eats the Passover meal with the Twelve, tells them of the coming betrayal, and institutes the Lord’s Supper
The Last Supper –
Mark 14:17-31,
John 13.1-17.26,
Matthew 26:20-29,
Luke 22:14-30
After supper Jesus washes the disciples’ feet, interacts with them, and delivers the Upper Room Discourse
Jesus foretells Peter’s denials
Matthew 26:31-35
Mark 14:27-31
Luke 22:31-34
Jesus and the disciples go to Gethsemane, where he struggles in prayer and they struggle to stay awake late into the night
Gethsemane, the arrest – Matthew 26:47-56
Gethsemane, the arrest – Luke 22:47-53
Gethsemane, the arrest – Mark 14:32-52
Progression of Faith Blog – Thursday
Focus on Leonardo DaVinci’s Last Supper
Commentaries
Video Introduction to Thursday
Holy Week Timeline- Thursday
Greatest Prayer in the World
What Happened on Thursday of Holy Week ?
Progression of Faith Blog – Thursday
Gethsemane (poem) – Mary Oliver
Brothers of St. John the Evangelist – Praying Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday 7pm
Bulletin 2018
Photos 2018
Description 2018
Service Readings
Sermon 2018
Friday, March 30, 2018 – The Execution
Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested by the authorities (perhaps after midnight, early Friday morning)
Matthew 26:47-56
Mark 14:43-52
Luke 22:47-53
John 18:2-12
Jewish trial, phase 1: Jesus has a hearing before Annas (former high priest and Caiaphas’s father-in-law)
Interrogation by Annas –
John 18:12-15,
John 18:19-24
Jewish trial, phase 2: Jesus stands trial before Caiaphas and part of the Sanhedrin
Night Trial –
Mark 14:53-65
Matthew 26:57-68
Peter denies Jesus
Peter in the Courtyard –
Mark 14:66-72
Matthew 26:69-75
Luke 22:55-62
John 18:15-18, 25-27
Perhaps after sunrise, phase 3 of Jesus’ Jewish trial: final consultation before the full Sanhedrin; sent to Pilate
Morning Council Meeting –
Mark 15:1,
Luke 22:66-23.1
Matthew 27:1-2
Phase 1 of Jesus’ Roman trial: first appearance before Pontius Pilate; sent to Herod Antipas
First hearing before Pilate –
Luke 23.1-7 ,
Mark 15:2-5 ,
Matthew 27:11-14
Phase 2 of Jesus’ Roman trial: appears before Herod Antipas; sent back to Pontius Pilate
Interrogation by Antipas – Luke 23.8-12
Judas hangs himself – The Death of Judas – Mathew 27:3-5
Phase 3 of Jesus’ Roman trial: Jesus’ second appearance before Pilate; condemned to die
Second hearing before Pilate –
Luke 23.13-23
Mark 15:6-15
Matthew 27:15-26,
John 18:28-19:16
The flogging – Mark 15:16-20
Jesus is crucified (from approximately 9 AM until Noon). The crucifixion –
Mark 15:16-32 ,
Matthew 27:27-54
Luke 23:26-49.
John 19:16-37
Darkness at noon – Mark 15:33
“It is Finished” – Mark 15:34-47
Joseph of Arimathea –
Mark 15:42-47,
John 19:38-42
Progression of Faith Blog – Friday
Focus on the Music of Good Friday – St. Matthew’s Passion, St. John’s Passion
Commentaries
Video introduction to Friday
Holy Week Timeline- Friday
Holy Week Visual Timeline-Friday
It is Finished
What Happened on Friday of Holy Week ?
Progression of Faith Blog – Friday
Society of St. John the Evangelist – Praying Good Friday
Good Friday, 7pm.
Bulletin 2018
Photos 2018
Description 2018
Service Readings
Sermon 2018
Saturday, March 31, 2018 – The Silence
The Women prepare for annointing Jesus
Pilate Posts Guard – Matthew 27:62-66
Women prepare for Anointing – Mark 16:1
Commentaries
Video introduction to Saturday
Holy Week Timeline- Saturday
Holy Week Visual Timeline- Sat/Sun
Let His Blood Be On Us
What Happened on Saturday of Holy Week ?
12 things you need to know about Holy Saturday
Progression of Faith Blog – Saturday
The Great Vigil of Easter service
We have not done this service since 2011. However, many churches schedule this service. Here is the National Cathedral’s service on Sat. April 15, 2017. The 2018 service is March 31, 2018, 8pm, live on the web.
The Great Vigil of Easter, when observed, is the first service of Easter. It is celebrated at a convenient time between sunset on Holy Saturday and sunrise on Easter Morning and is the climax of three days of Triduum (Thursday, TenebraeFriday, Saturday. Followers of Jesus began celebrating his Resurrection with the Easter Vigil service very early on. By 215 CE, we already have descriptions of services and liturgical prayers that the early Church was using. It was revived by our current prayer book.
The service normally consists of four parts:
1. The Service of Light. The service begins after sundown with people gathering outside in the dark. A new fire is kindled then blessed. Then the new Paschal Candle is blessed and lit. Once the Paschal Candle is lit, its flame is shared with all who light their taper candles from its flame. Then a candlelight procession is lead into the darkened church, stopping periodically to declare “The Light of Christ,” to which all respond “Thanks be to God!” The very ancient Exsultet is chanted by the deacon or other minister.
2. The Ministry of the Word. Then, in the candlelit darkness, lessons are read. There as a few as 4 and as many as 9 or even 12 in some services.
3. Baptism or the Renewal of Baptism. After the lessons, any candidates for Baptism are presented by their sponsors. In the midst of the gathered faithful, they take their baptismal vows and then the whole assembly renews their Baptismal Covenant with them.
4. The Ministry of the Sacrament. Then there is a loud noise in the darkness, reminiscent of the sound of the stone being rolled away from the entry to Jesus’ tomb, and everyone blows noisemakers or rings bells joyously as we celebrate the moment of Resurrection. All the lights are turned on and the candles at the altar are lit. Then the Gospel reading, telling the story of the first Easter morning, is told, followed by a homily. The first Eucharist of Easter is presented.
April 1, 2018 – Easter, the Resurrection
Sunrise Service, 7am – Long residence, Water and Frederick Streets
Easter Sunday, 11am (10:45am Lighting of the Paschal flame)
Some women arrive at Jesus’ tomb near dawn, probably with Mary Magdalene arriving first.
Matthew 28:1,
Luke 24:1 ,
John 20:1
Mary and the other women, instead of finding Jesus’ body, are met by two young men who are angels; one of them announces Jesus’ resurrection.
Matthew 28:2-7,
Mark 16:4-7 ,
Luke 24:2-7 ,
The women, fearful and joyful, leave the garden—at first unwilling to say anything to anyone about this but then changing their mind and going to tell the Eleven.
Mary Magdalene likely rushes ahead and tells Peter and John before the other women arrive.
Mary Magdalene has an encounter with Jesus in the garden.
The other women, still en route to tell the disciples, are met by Jesus, who confirms their decision to tell the Eleven and promises to meet them in Galilee.
The women arrive and tell the disciples that Jesus is risen. Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion
Peter and John rush to the tomb (based on Mary Magdalene’s report) and discover it empty.
That afternoon Jesus appears to Cleopas and a friend on the road to Emmaus; later Jesus appears to Peter
That evening Jesus appears to the Ten (minus Thomas) in a house (with locked doors) in Jerusalem. The Upper Room.
Commentaries
Video introduction to Sunday
Holy Week Timeline- Easter Sunday
What Happened on Easter Sunday of Holy Week ?
Have You Found What You’re Looking For?
Progression of Faith Blog – Easter Sunday
Society of St. John the Evangelist – Praying Easter Sunday
Easter Voices, Year B
Easter, 7:00am Sunrise Service, 11am Service St. Peter’s (10:45 lighting of the Paschal Candle)
The service will begin with the lighting the paschal flame. We will carry the light of our Risen Lord and Savior into the church. We will light the paschal candle with the light from the paschal flame. And during this service, we will celebrate the new life available to all of us through the resurrection of Jesus.
Bulletin 2018
Service Readings 2018
Photos 2018
Sunrise Service Photos 2018
Sunrise Sermon
11am Sermon
Description
Holy Week Geography 