The sacred drama of Holy Week

Both Gospels, all the readings and indeed the whole liturgy invite us not to simply be passive spectators.

What do you see?

This weekend we once again celebrate Palm Sunday, or, to give it the official title “Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord.” The liturgy and the readings are, of course, very rich and deeply moving. We have, for example two Gospel readings (both from Saint Matthew who is our guide for this Year A of the three year cycle). The Gospel at the beginning of Mass (Matthew 21:1-11) recounts Jesus’ entrance to Jerusalem and the enthusiasm of the crowds who cry out “hosanna to the Son of David.” Later, the long Gospel account of Jesus’ passion and crucifixion is read (Matthew 26: 4-27: 66).

Both Gospels, all the readings and indeed the whole liturgy invite us not to simply be passive spectators, or just to listen in on these events that bring us salvation; but rather, as Jesus’ disciples, to enter fully and completely into this “holy drama.” Perhaps that is why we participate in the Masses and liturgies of Holy Week in a special and more dramatic way than usual: carrying palms or being the “crowd” in the reading of the Gospel. We are to be drawn into these life-changing (and world-changing) events. The introduction at the beginning of Mass today puts it so well:

… Therefore, with all faith and devotion, let us commemorate the Lord’s entry into the city for our salvation, following in His footsteps, so that, being made by His grace partakers of the Cross, we may have a share also in His resurrection and in His life.

Our Scripture readings help us to enter into, and to reflect upon this holy drama. The First Reading (Isaiah 50:4-7) is the third of the four “canticles of the suffering servant of God.” We will hear the other canticles during Holy Week, culminating on Good Friday. This suffering servant is, for Christians, a vision or prophecy about Jesus. He is that suffering servant who listens to God’s Word and obeys it, even to mockery, insult and death. Our Psalm (Psalm 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24) is also rather like a prophecy about Jesus and his suffering and there is that poignant line that Jesus speaks as he hangs upon the cross “my God, why have you abandoned me?” Our Second Reading is the rather enigmatic Philippians Hymn (Philippians 2:6-11). Some scholars think that this passage was actually some form of hymn used in the very early Christian liturgy (an awesome thought!). It narrates a cycle or journey: Jesus as God who empties himself to become a slave, who then accepts death on a cross, only to be raised and to be given the name above every other name.

Then we hear (and also enter into) “The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.” As mentioned, this year we have Matthew’s account (as part of the three year cycle of Matthew, Mark and Luke). There are many things in common with all the Gospel writers, as they tell us about Jesus’ suffering and death. However, it is also true that each of them wants to bring out particular truths and reflections to help us. So, what does Matthew wish to share with us?

Matthew directs us to see Jesus as fulfilling all the prophecies about the Savior, particularly that Jesus can be seen as the new Moses, bringing about the “new covenant” by his passion, death and resurrection. Matthew is unique in reporting the way of Jesus’ betrayal (with a kiss) or the offer of wine mixed with gall. Why? Matthew wants to show again and again, how the Old Testament prophecies are fulfilled in Jesus.

Matthew also does not sugar coat the terrible abandonment of Jesus by the disciples and only Matthew has Jesus calling Judas his “friend.” The malice of the religious leaders is also brought out very strongly by Matthew, both during our Lord’s trial and even after his death (only Matthew tells us about the posting of guards outside the tomb, for example). Matthew also wants us to understand the total innocence of Jesus and so only Matthew gives us the incident of Pontius Pilate washing his hands as a sign of this innocence. Matthew also highlights God’s presence, even in these terrible events. Like Luke and Mark, he reports the darkness that falls and the veil of the Temple being torn; but Matthew alone mentions the earthquake that opens the graves of the dead. This is a sign that even in this darkest moment, the power of the resurrection is happening.

As we enter into this holy drama of Holy Week, may you have a truly wonderful and holy Holy Week!