Celebrating Holy Week
Christ Rides into Jerusalem. Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem is now known as Palm Sunday.
We begin to celebrate Holy Week, which starts with Palm Sunday and culminates with Easter.
Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Twelve Apostles said, “How do we model the teaching and celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Easter story, with the same balance, fulness, and rich religious tradition of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Christmas story?”
Think of the magic you feel at Christmas–with its many traditions of gift-giving, lighting the tree, and caroling. The Easter message is that Christ died for us and was resurrected so that we might be saved and live again–the very essence of Christ’s mission.
How might we set traditions and celebrate Easter with that same spirit of awe?
Ponder on the meaning of each day of Holy Week as you seek to follow Jesus and celebrate with family and friends:
Sunday - Praise the Lord
The Sunday before Easter is Palm Sunday, when we celebrate Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. His followers shouted “Hosanna,” which means “please save us.” Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Twelve Apostles said, “...in the book of Revelation, those who praise God and the Lamb do so ‘clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands’ (Rev 7:9, https://bit.ly/3vj8Npn). How can you repent, meaning what do you need to change in your life?
Monday - Cleanse Yourself
While in Jerusalem, Christ cleared out the sellers inside the temple, saying, "My house shall be called of all nations a house of prayer … But ye have made it a den of thieves” (Mark 11:17). Liken yourself to a temple–how will you cleanse your heart and follow Jesus Christ this week?
Tuesday - Seek Truth
Despite the traps that people set for Jesus, he answered with pure truth. He taught and ministered to true seekers. When we follow the guidance of the Holy Ghost, we can also speak truth and avoid traps. Which scriptures will you read today to seek truth and draw nearer to Christ?
Wednesday, March 27 - Be Humble. This day is commonly known in Christendom as “Ash Wednesday” because ash represents repentance and humility. In contrast, Judas meets with the chief priests and authorities, agreeing to betray Christ soon. Is there anyone in your life who needs your humility now? How will you follow God’s will?
Thursday - Love One Another
On this day, Jesus and the apostles have The Last Supper together, where Jesus instituted the sacrament. He also washed and anointed their feet. This is widely known as Maundy Thursday, coming from the Latin ‘mandatum,’ meaning commandment. After Jesus washed their feet, he gave the apostles a specific commandment: to “love one another; as I have loved you… by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34-35). Jesus later suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane where he prayed “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42). He taught his disciples to pray to God when we come to the end of our own strength. How will you change your attitude toward the sacrament, knowing its great significance during Holy Week? How will you obey the commandment to love others?
Friday - Forgive
This is the last day of Christ’s life before His resurrection. As predicted, he is betrayed by Judas and denied by Peter. Jesus is arrested and placed on trial. He was condemned to die and suffer a cruel death on the cross. Why is this day known as “Good” Friday if so many terrible things happened? This day is called Good Friday because those who believe in Jesus Christ understand that he gave his life for us so that we could be saved. On the cross, he said, “forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Who needs your forgiveness this week?
Saturday - Have Hope
Jesus’ body is rested in the tomb this day after his body was prepared by those who loved him. Those who mourned gained hope because Jesus Christ promised, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever” (John 14:16). He also said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). How will you grow in hope?
Easter Sunday - Share the Joy
Jesus Christ was resurrected. Mary Magdalene found the tomb empty, then heard her name. She saw that Christ was alive. She ran to share the news with others. How will you share the life-changing news of Easter and the Resurrection with your friends this week? Who will you invite to attend Easter services with you?
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent an invitation to us: “This Easter season, we invite you to ponder the Savior’s atoning sacrifice and glorious Resurrection, which bless all of us.”
Learn more
Jesus is Risen: Celebrating Easter - https://bit.ly/3TxMIwy
“The Greatest Easter Story Ever Told” - https://bit.ly/3v8sJez
First Presidency Letter (Easter 2024) - https://bit.ly/3wQ2DxF
