Holy Week

 
 

We are now in the heart of Holy Week -- a sacred stretch of days that invites us to slow down and walk intentionally with Jesus. As we move from the celebration of Palm Sunday to the silence of Holy Saturday and the joy of Easter morning, each day offers its own invitation to reflect and respond.

This past Sunday, we reflected on Mary, the mother of Jesus -- a woman of tremendous strength who showed us what it means to let go: to release her son into a future she could not control, to trust God in the face of loss, and to follow Jesus all the way to the cross.

As we look ahead to Easter, we will turn to Mary Magdalene, another woman of courage who will show us the strength it takes to hold on -- to cling to hope, to stay present in grief, and to rejoice in the risen Christ.

Here is how you might walk through the rest of this Holy Week with intention and reflection:

  • Spy Wednesday -- Today we remember Judas’ quiet betrayal -- an act done in shadows that later led to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion.

Reflect: Are there places in your own heart that hide resistance, fear, or duplicity?

Practice: Light a candle and ask God to reveal what’s hidden, offering even the difficult parts of yourself to His grace.

  • Maundy Thursday -- Jesus kneels to wash dusty feet and invites us to love one another deeply.

Reflect: What does it look like to serve others this week in quiet, humble ways?

Practice: Write a note, make a call, or offer a simple act of kindness in Jesus’ name.

  • Good Friday -- Today is a day of suffering and sacrifice. The sky darkens; love endures.

Reflect: What has Jesus carried for you? What are you still trying to carry alone?

Practice: Attend our Good Friday service or spend time reading John 18–19 in a quiet space.

  • Holy Saturday -- Today is a waiting day, a silent day. It feels like nothing is happening, yet everything is being transformed.

Reflect: Where do you need to trust God in the silence?

Practice: Take a break from screens and noise. Sit in stillness. Wait in hope.

  • Easter Sunday -- The tomb is empty; life begins again.

Reflect: What in your life needs resurrection?

Practice: Join us for Easter worship at 10 a.m. this Sunday -- and invite friends or family who need to hear the good news of new life.

As we continue our "Wonder Women" sermon series, may you find strength in both letting go and holding on. Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Mary Magdalene walked before us -- through grief and joy, through surrender and resurrection.

Walk this week as they walked. Walk this week with Jesus.

Rev. Dr. Jennie A. Harrop