Questions for reflection during Holy Week

“The annual observance of Lent is the special season for the ascent to the holy mountain of
Easter. Through its twofold themes of repentance and baptism, the season of Lent disposes both
the catechumens (those who are preparing to be baptized) and the faithful to celebrate the
Paschal mystery of Christ’s Passion, Death and Resurrection. The faithful, listening more
intently to the word of God and devoting themselves to prayer, are prepared through a spirit of
repentance to renew their baptismal promises.”

(Ceremonial of Bishops, 249)

These questions are offered as some possible starters for reflection, from which you might wish
to select just a few; but Holy Week is an intense time of prayer and richly symbolic liturgies, and
the most important thing is to enter into the mystery by participating in those. Being in touch
with the Paschal Mystery reminds us that life has meaning beyond the here and now, that our
future is eternal. Take time, if you can, to be silent and still as well. Don’t try to do too much!
On the threshold of Holy Week

• As we enter Holy Week, we ready ourselves to journey with the one who died to save us.
Take time to reflect on your Lenten journey so far. Where/when/how has God spoken to you
over these past few weeks? What has already changed for you?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

• ‘Holy’ means ‘other’, ‘set apart’. How can you ‘set apart’ this holy week? You might like to
make a little plan for each day, to do something simple or to make time for reflection on the
scriptures and prayers.

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

The Sacred Paschal Triduum

These ‘three days’ are the backbone of our faith, the most sacred of the year, during which the
Church celebrates the Passion, dying and rising of Christ, the source of our life and hope. Each
day tells a different part of the story of Jesus’ saving action, and the Church celebrates one
liturgy each day, but the three days form part of a single extended liturgy. (Note that there is no
dismissal on Maundy Thursday, and no formal beginning or end to the Good Friday liturgy.)
Christ accomplished his work of human redemption and the perfect glorification of God
principally through his Paschal mystery – by dying he destroyed our death, by rising restored our
life. So, the sacred Paschal Triduum of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of the Lord is the
high point of the entire liturgical year.
Holy Thursday
• The disciples asked Jesus “Where do you want us to go and prepare for you to eat the
Passover?” The “upper room” where Jesus wants to share this meal with us is our hearts. How
can I open my heart to invite Jesus in, to invite other people in and offer myself in love to
others?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

• Jesus gives us a new commandment – “love one another as I have loved you” – and an
example of a leader who serves. This radical example of service goes beyond what was
necessary. How might I ‘wash the feet’ of others in the spirit of Jesus’ humility and
compassion, even if it means making sacrifices or going beyond my comfort zone? What is the
way of love Jesus has marked out for me, is calling me to?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Friday of the Passion of the Lord (Good Friday)

• How have I wounded the body of Christ through sin? What needs transforming in my life? Do I
need to seek forgiveness?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

• Where is the crucifixion of Jesus taking place in our world today?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Holy Saturday (during the day)

• On this day we contemplate Jesus resting in the tomb. We meditate on his suffering and
death, and his descent into hell, among the dead. In prayer and fasting, peace and quiet, we
await his Resurrection.
An ancient homily for Holy Saturday can provide a focus for prayer and reflection today:
• We also pray for those who will be baptized at the Easter Vigil (though baptisms may be
delayed this year due to the unusual circumstances and current restrictions), and we prepare
our hearts for that celebration.
• The Blessing of Water at the Easter Vigil is rich in Old and New Testament images of water
that
not only cleanses but gives new life (new birth). It declares the religious meaning of water as
God’s creation, and the sacramental use of water in the unfolding of the Paschal Mystery. The
blessing is also a remembrance of God’s wonderful works in the history of salvation.

Easter Sunday of the Lord’s Resurrection – The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night
• “May the light of Christ rising in glory dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds.” What does
the light of Christ mean to you this Easter? What darkness is it dispelling?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

• Part of our Lenten observance has been to recall our baptism in preparation to renew our
baptismal promises at the Easter Vigil. What do I need to do to turn away from sinful ways?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

“During Lent, let us find concrete ways to overcome our indifference.”

– Pope Francis