The Journey of Holy Week is a Journey of Introspection

Holy Week, the final and most sacred week of Lent, is a profound and transformative journey in our lives. It invites us to walk with Christ through His Passion, Death, and, ultimately, Resurrection. Beginning on Palm Sunday and culminating with the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night, this sacred week, especially during this jubilee year, calls us to deep introspection, repentance, and spiritual renewal.

As you may know, Holy Week opens with Palm Sunday, when we commemorate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. As He approached the city, crowds gathered to greet Him, waving palm branches and shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Mark 11:9). Palms were blessed and distributed during the liturgy, symbolizing both victory and kingship.

However, Palm Sunday is more than a mere celebration. The same liturgy also includes the Passion narrative, shifting our focus to Christ’s impending suffering. It is a powerful reminder that the road to glory passes through the cross. As we wave our palms and sing hosannas, we’re also invited to ponder the cost of redemption and prepare our hearts for what lies ahead.

One may reflect on: Matthew 21:1–11, Mark 11:1–11, Luke 19:28–40 and John 12:12–19.

Holy Monday to Holy Wednesday are Days of Preparation and Tension

The days between Palm Sunday and the Triduum, Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, and Holy Wednesday, are often quieter regarding liturgical celebrations, but they are rich in spiritual meaning. These are days of silent preparation, where we grow increasingly aware of the tension in the Gospel narrative and are called to reflect on the inner work of the heart.

Holy Monday: Cleansing of the Temple

On Holy Monday, we recall Jesus cleansing the temple, driving out the money changers and restoring the sacred space (Matthew 21:12–17). This bold action speaks to the purification of our hearts. Just as Jesus cleansed the physical temple, He desires to cleanse our lives of distractions and impurity, enabling us to worship in truth and spirit.

Scripture to reflect on: Matthew 21:12–17, John 12:1–11 (the anointing at Bethany)

Holy Tuesday: Confrontation in the Temple

On Holy Tuesday, Jesus speaks powerfully in the temple, engaging in debates with religious leaders and warning against hypocrisy (Matthew 21:23–27, 22:15–46). His words challenge us to examine our lives our attitudes, behaviors, and relationship with God. Are we living according to His truth, or do we, like the Pharisees, stand in judgment of others while neglecting our own hearts? Scripture to reflect on: Matthew 21:23–27, 22:15–46 and John 12:20–36

Holy Wednesday: Spy Wednesday

Holy Wednesday is traditionally known as Spy Wednesday. It marks the day when Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus, agreeing to hand Him over for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14–16). This act of betrayal is a sobering reminder of the potential for betrayal within every human heart. It calls us to humility, vigilance, and self-reflection in our walk with Christ. Are we following Him faithfully, or have we allowed the lure of worldly gain to lead us astray? Scripture to reflect on: Matthew 26:14–16 Luke 22:1–6

A Time to Look Within

As we move through these first days of Holy Week, we are called to slow down and look inward. This journey is not just a historical re-telling of events—it is deeply personal. We must ask ourselves: Are we ready to let Christ cleanse the temple of our hearts? Are we prepared to sit in the tension of His Passion story and allow it to shape our lives?

This sacred time is not merely about remembering what Jesus did—it’s about joining Him on the road to the Cross. Through prayer, Scripture, silence, and the sacraments, we are invited to be transformed.

Having known what makes each day special, let this week not pass us by as a mere routine observance. Let it be a true journey of introspection, a pilgrimage of the heart. When we arrive at Easter morning, may we rise with Christ in the fullness of joy and new life.

Reflection Question:

How are we going to prepare our hearts this Holy Week? What steps can we take to make this journey more meaningful, so that we can experience the transforming power of Christ’s Resurrection?