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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