A Guide to Living Holy Week: Insights from
Fr Michael Therese
Holy Week is the most sacred time of the liturgical year, leading us from the triumph of Palm Sunday to the profound sorrow of Good Friday and the explosive joy of Easter. Join Fr. Michael Therese Scheerger, a member of the Community of St. John, as he shares practical and spiritual guidance for making this Holy Week a time of deep personal transformation.
Step 1: Enter the Story
Holy Week isn't just a series of rituals to observe but a profound drama to enter. Set aside time for silent reflection on the Passion narratives in the Gospels. Visualize the scenes, meditate on the emotions of Jesus, Mary, and the disciples. Contemplate your own place within this story of love, sacrifice, and redemption.
Step 2: Embrace the Liturgy
Participate fully in the liturgies of Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil. Don't just attend – immerse yourself. Listen attentively to the readings, allow the symbolism to penetrate your soul, and receive the Eucharist with a heart open to profound transformation.
Step 3: Journey with Christ on the Cross
The Way of the Cross is a powerful devotion. Follow the Stations, meditating on each moment of Jesus' suffering. Connect His pain to your own struggles, failures, and anxieties. Offer them up in union with His sacrifice, knowing that suffering, when borne with love, has redemptive power.
Step 4: Experience the Silence of the Tomb
On Holy Saturday, take part in a period of prayerful silence, perhaps spending an hour with the Lord in Eucharistic Adoration. This echoes the emptiness of the tomb, reminding us that even in darkness and seeming abandonment, God is at work. This silence prepares us for the explosive joy of the Resurrection.
Step 5: Renew Your Baptismal Promises
The Easter Vigil is the pinnacle of the liturgical year. Allow its light and symbolism to awaken your faith. With a heart filled with hope, consciously renew your baptismal promises, renouncing sin, and reaffirming your commitment to Christ. Let this be more than words; make it a turning point for deeper discipleship.
Additional Tips
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Confession: Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before Easter to enter the celebration with a cleansed and joyful heart.
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Acts of Charity: In imitation of Christ's servant heart, perform acts of charity during Holy Week, especially for those suffering or in need.
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Spiritual Reading: Supplement your prayer with inspiring books focused on the events of Holy Week or the lives of the saints.
Something to Remember
Holy Week is not about perfection. It's about encountering Christ, allowing His love to transform you, and emerging with a renewed spirit to live as His disciple in the world.