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On Palm Sunday 16th April we begin the most Holy Week of the Christian year when all faithful Christians should do their utmost to attend the services that mark out that final week, the week before Easter which follows the path of our Lord's Passion from his triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, his rejection, crucifixion and burial on Good Friday. Palm Sunday is so called because we re-enact the procession of our Lord and his Disciples into Jerusalem, carrying palm branches and singing the lovely hymn, All Glory, laud and honour to thee Redeemer King. Maundy Thursday begins the three days which are called the Sacred Triduum of the Lord's Passion and Resurrection. On Thursday we celebrate the Eucharist of the Lord's Supper and recall that last holy meal of Jesus with his Disciples in the Upper Room, when he celebrated the first Christian Eucharist. After the Eucharist there is a time of silent watch with our Lord before the Blessed Sacrament until midnight, when Friday is given over to the solemn memory of his betrayal, suffering and death. On Friday afternoon, to mark the last hour of Jesus on the cross, we gather to listen to the story of his passion and crucifixion and join in intercession for the whole world. Then a crucifix is carried into the church for our veneration and the figure of the suffering Christ is adored. The Sacred Triduum ends on Easter Day with the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ and of our new life in him, and continues for the next fifty days until Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit. I have said every year to you all: It is impossible to celebrate Easter, unless you have stood at the foot of the cross on Good Friday! Make sure you try to observe this Holy Week with extra devotion this year - please don't just be 'Sunday Christians'. To follow the events of Holy Week will give you a new and added celebration of the redemption Christ has won for you. Please use this prayer during this holy season: Lord Jesus, you gave yourself for me. Give me the fullness of your love, that for all your love, with your love, I may love you. With my blessing and prayers, Your priest and friend Fr Malcolm Ferrier |
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page last updated 1 APRIL 2000 |
