Holy Week guide for Weak

The Roman Catholic Lectionary today brings us into the start of Holy Week. Christians begin to celebrate the week prior to the Celebration of Easter. The liturgies and reflections of the week will bring the love and service of Jesus to the forefront. It is our relationship with Jesus which brings life to Christians. Ultimately we are the Body of Christ. The words and actions of Holy Week renew our understanding of what we are called to be in the world. We will be able to imagine the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. The Prophet Isaiah will present the longing of the world for the Servant of God. Isaiah will outline the humility and service of the Anointed One. Paul proclaims the ‘scandal’ of Christ. He emptied himself taking the form of a slave. The texts of the Institution of the Lord’s Supper will direct us to continue to commemorate with our lives the gift of Body and Blood which enable us ( in Catechetical language ) to “become what we are”. Luke’s account of the Passion which is read today will reveal Jesus gifts and giving and the betrayal which He encountered in large and smaller ways. Judas story of handing Jesus to the authorities for crucifixion and Peter’s vow of loyalty being three times broken and the rest, like us, often too involved in our stuff to see the love of others towards us, who succumb to sleep. The words of Jesus to the prisoner crucified with Him are a challenge and hope for all. 26‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’ Love prevails, mercy trumps justice, and forgiveness is the hallmark of these events.