At the end of Lent comes Holy Week, a time to focus on Jesus' last week
on earth, his passion and death. The whole cycle of church feasts repeats
the story of the life and sufferings of Christ. This cycle begins on Palm
Sunday, the Sunday before Easter. It commemorates the triumphal entry of
Jesus into Jerusalem and the palm twigs strewn in his path. Palm twigs
are--or were--consecrated at church and taken home to keep harm away from
the house. There were at one time also processions with "palm donkeys"
(Palmesel).
Holy Week brings the Christian nearer than ever to the death of the Savior
and the events on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. It includes Maundy Thursday,
remembering Jesus' last supper with his disciples and the institution of the
Lord's Supper. Good Friday recalls Jesus' crucifixion. Holy week is a time
for reflection and prayer, thanking God that the plan of salvation has been
accomplished.
Ruth Reichmann
Max Kade German-American Center
Indiana Univ.-Purdue Univ. Indianapolis
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