holy week liturgies

The Liturgies of Passion (Palm) The Liturgies of Passion (Palm) Sunday, Sunday,

The Chrism Mass, The Chrism Mass,

Holy Thursday and Good FridayHoly Thursday and Good Friday

A Grief A Grief ObservedObserved

IntroductionIntroduction

Lent: Forty Days of PreparationLent: Forty Days of Preparation Points toward Baptism & reminds those Points toward Baptism & reminds those

already baptized of its benefits.already baptized of its benefits. Holy WeekHoly Week

Follows upon LentFollows upon Lent Reenacts, relives, participates in the Reenacts, relives, participates in the

Passion (the suffering, death and Passion (the suffering, death and resurrection) of Christresurrection) of Christ

Palm Sunday, followed by the Palm Sunday, followed by the Easter Easter TriduumTriduum: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, : Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday/ Easter SundayHoly Saturday/ Easter Sunday

Passion (Palm) Sunday


Palm Sunday as part of Holy WeekPalm Sunday as part of Holy Week FocusFocus Different layersDifferent layers

OT prophecyOT prophecy Expectation of the JewsExpectation of the Jews Expectation of the DisciplesExpectation of the Disciples Mind of JesusMind of Jesus Our ExpectationsOur Expectations

HistoryHistory

Significance of Palm branchesSignificance of Palm branches Ancient times: symbol of victory and Ancient times: symbol of victory and

triumphtriumph New Testament: symbol of martyrdomNew Testament: symbol of martyrdom Psalm 91 – represents ParadisePsalm 91 – represents Paradise Fourth century – symbol of Resurrection Fourth century – symbol of Resurrection

[foinix & [foinix & phoenix]phoenix]

HistoryHistory

11stst century – one of 12 Major Feasts century – one of 12 Major Feasts 55thth century – practiced in Jerusalem century – practiced in Jerusalem CircaCirca 600 AD – name of Palm Sunday 600 AD – name of Palm Sunday 88thth century – Rite of Blessing of Palms century – Rite of Blessing of Palms Middle Ages – Procession of PalmsMiddle Ages – Procession of Palms 1955 – Complete reform of Holy 1955 – Complete reform of Holy

WeekWeek

Liturgical MattersLiturgical Matters

ParadoxParadox – desolation and exaltation – desolation and exaltation KenosisKenosis – key to understanding – key to understanding

paradoxparadox Assembly – threshold natureAssembly – threshold nature Procession – journey with JesusProcession – journey with Jesus Ending – open endedEnding – open ended

ReadingsReadings

Sequence of eventsSequence of events Gospel before Procession with Palms:Gospel before Procession with Palms:

Mark 11:1-10 Mark 11:1-10 First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-7 [3First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-7 [3rdrd servant servant

song]song] Second Reading: Philippians 2:6-11 Second Reading: Philippians 2:6-11

[[carmina christicarmina christi]] Gospel: Mark 15:1-39Gospel: Mark 15:1-39

First ReadingFirst Reading

The third “servant song:” discipleship, The third “servant song:” discipleship, teachingteaching

Sufferings: overcome by meekness & Sufferings: overcome by meekness & faithfaith

Our struggles = Christ’sOur struggles = Christ’s Trust in God in the midst of distressTrust in God in the midst of distress Solidarity with marginalizedSolidarity with marginalized

Second ReadingSecond Reading Carmina Christi: Carmina Christi: An ancient liturgical hymn An ancient liturgical hymn

of the Judeo-Christian Churchof the Judeo-Christian Church v.6 Divine Pre-existencev.6 Divine Pre-existence v.7 Humiliation of Incarnationv.7 Humiliation of Incarnation v.8 Humiliation of Deathv.8 Humiliation of Death v.9 Celestial Exaltationv.9 Celestial Exaltation v.10 Adoration by the Universev.10 Adoration by the Universe v.11 Jesus’ New Title: v.11 Jesus’ New Title: KyriosKyrios

KenosisKenosis (Greek – “emptying out”) (Greek – “emptying out”) ThankfulnessThankfulness The story of Holy Week in miniatureThe story of Holy Week in miniature

Gospel (Mark)Gospel (Mark)

Mark’s story (written for persecuted Mark’s story (written for persecuted Christians) resonates with the feast Christians) resonates with the feast

God’s presence is a great discoveryGod’s presence is a great discovery TrustTrust ConversionConversion

Tuesday of Holy Week:

The Chrism Mass

History & TraditionHistory & Tradition

Origin of Chrism MassOrigin of Chrism Mass Blessed Oil already used for Baptismal Blessed Oil already used for Baptismal

ritual in Third Centuryritual in Third Century Blessing reserved for bishopsBlessing reserved for bishops Baptism on Easter Vigil. Practical to Baptism on Easter Vigil. Practical to

consecrate oil on Holy Thursdayconsecrate oil on Holy Thursday In 13In 13thth Century, priests began to join in Century, priests began to join in

prayers of blessings with bishopsprayers of blessings with bishops


By the 20By the 20thth Century, many dioceses were Century, many dioceses were moving the Chrism Mass to Tuesday or moving the Chrism Mass to Tuesday or Wednesday of Holy Week to allow more Wednesday of Holy Week to allow more priests and others to be present.priests and others to be present.

Part of the Chrism Mass became a Part of the Chrism Mass became a renewal act whereby the priest dedicated renewal act whereby the priest dedicated himself to Christ and promised that he himself to Christ and promised that he would carry out his priestly duties, as "an would carry out his priestly duties, as "an expression of the communion between expression of the communion between the priests and their bishop." the priests and their bishop."

The Chrism MassThe Chrism Mass The role of the bishop as the high priest of The role of the bishop as the high priest of

his flock, and source of unity for the his flock, and source of unity for the ministers of the entire diocese. ministers of the entire diocese.

The blessing of oils for liturgical use: The blessing of oils for liturgical use: The Oil of CatechumensThe Oil of Catechumens (for Baptisms), (for Baptisms), The Sacred ChrismThe Sacred Chrism (for Baptisms, (for Baptisms, Confirmation, Holy Orders and Confirmation, Holy Orders and consecrations), and consecrations), and The Oil of the InfirmThe Oil of the Infirm (for Anointing of the (for Anointing of the Sick).Sick).

A celebration of the institution of A celebration of the institution of priesthood.priesthood.

The Chrism MassThe Chrism Mass

The renewal of commitment of ordained The renewal of commitment of ordained ministers (priests and deacons) to ministers (priests and deacons) to service. service.

The importance of the “priesthood of all The importance of the “priesthood of all believers.” believers.”

The gathering of the entire diocese in The gathering of the entire diocese in the Cathedral.the Cathedral.

Holy Thursday(Based on a presentation by Rev. Joseph Koh, O.F.M.)(Based on a presentation by Rev. Joseph Koh, O.F.M.)


Holy or Holy or Maundy?Maundy?

Maundy comes from Maundy comes from the Latin word the Latin word mandatummandatum, meaning , meaning “command” “command” (mandate)(mandate) A new command I A new command I

give you: Love one give you: Love one another (John 13: 34)another (John 13: 34)


The end of Lent, and beginning of the The end of Lent, and beginning of the Paschal TriduumPaschal Triduum (three days) (three days)

True Climax – The Lord’s SupperTrue Climax – The Lord’s Supper The Three principal mysteries:The Three principal mysteries:

The Institution of the EucharistThe Institution of the Eucharist The Establishment of Christian The Establishment of Christian

PriesthoodPriesthood The Commandment to Love One The Commandment to Love One

AnotherAnother

Biblical ReferencesBiblical References

The Last Supper: The Last Supper: Mt 26:20, Mk 14:17, Lk 22:14Mt 26:20, Mk 14:17, Lk 22:14

The Washing of Feet: The Washing of Feet: Jn 13:1-17Jn 13:1-17

Institution of the Eucharist: Institution of the Eucharist: Mt 26:26-29, Mk 14:22-25, Lk 22:15-20Mt 26:26-29, Mk 14:22-25, Lk 22:15-20

The Agony & the Arrest: The Agony & the Arrest: Mt 26:50-56, Mk 14:46-52, Lk 22:49-54, Mt 26:50-56, Mk 14:46-52, Lk 22:49-54, Jn 18:10-11Jn 18:10-11


Began to take shape Began to take shape circa circa Seventh Seventh CenturyCentury

Celebration of two Masses survive:Celebration of two Masses survive: Chrism MassChrism Mass Evening Mass of the Lord’s SupperEvening Mass of the Lord’s Supper


Medieval TimesMedieval Times Also known as “Shere Thursday”Also known as “Shere Thursday” Men sheared (shaved) beard and cut Men sheared (shaved) beard and cut

hairhair Performed penances throughout LentPerformed penances throughout Lent Baptism on ThursdayBaptism on Thursday

Holy ThursdayHoly Thursday

• ReadingsReadings• Washing of FeetWashing of Feet• Liturgy of the EucharistLiturgy of the Eucharist• Reposition of Blessed SacramentReposition of Blessed Sacrament• Stripping of AltarStripping of Altar• Adoration of Blessed SacramentAdoration of Blessed Sacrament


First Reading: Exodus 12: 1-8, First Reading: Exodus 12: 1-8, 11-1411-14 The establishment of the first Passover The establishment of the first Passover

mealmeal Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh

repeatedly repeatedly to allow the Israelites to to allow the Israelites to leave Egypt to pray to their God in the leave Egypt to pray to their God in the desert for three days, but was refuseddesert for three days, but was refused

The work of the Lord in the PassoverThe work of the Lord in the Passover


First Reading (Con’t)First Reading (Con’t) The command of the Lord for the The command of the Lord for the

Israelites to keep this feastIsraelites to keep this feast To be observed as an ordinance foreverTo be observed as an ordinance forever

Important point to note…Important point to note… A memorial feast is the type of sacrifice that A memorial feast is the type of sacrifice that

is repeated on a regular basis. A memorial is repeated on a regular basis. A memorial feast DOES NOT simply recall what was once feast DOES NOT simply recall what was once done. It makes the participants done. It makes the participants just as presentjust as present as the participants in the original sacrificeas the participants in the original sacrifice


Second Reading: 1 Corinthians Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 11: 23-2611: 23-26 The Proclamation of the Lord’s DeathThe Proclamation of the Lord’s Death Participation in the memorial sacrifice Participation in the memorial sacrifice

that makes the participants present at that makes the participants present at the first institutionthe first institution

““This cup is the New Covenant in my This cup is the New Covenant in my Blood”Blood”

Fulfilling the Old CovenantFulfilling the Old Covenant


Second Reading (Con’t)Second Reading (Con’t) By proclaiming the death of the Lord, we By proclaiming the death of the Lord, we

are UNITING ourselves with Him as He are UNITING ourselves with Him as He celebrates the Last Supper, and then is celebrates the Last Supper, and then is tried, and later crucified on Calvarytried, and later crucified on Calvary


Gospel: John 13: 1-15Gospel: John 13: 1-15 The perfection of LoveThe perfection of Love To serve and NOT to be servedTo serve and NOT to be served Jesus showed by example what love is Jesus showed by example what love is

all about, even to the point of dying on all about, even to the point of dying on the crossthe cross


Washing of FeetWashing of Feet It shows both the worth God ascribes to It shows both the worth God ascribes to

the humility of service, and the need for the humility of service, and the need for cleansing with water (a symbol of cleansing with water (a symbol of baptism) in the baptism) in the MandatumMandatum, washing, in , washing, in Jesus' washing the feet of His disciplesJesus' washing the feet of His disciples

The hymn The hymn Ubi CaritasUbi Caritas is usually sung at is usually sung at this time (“Where there is charity and this time (“Where there is charity and love, there God is…”)love, there God is…”)

Holy ThursdayHoly Thursday Reposition of the Blessed SacramentReposition of the Blessed Sacrament

Witnesses to the Church's esteem for Christ's Witnesses to the Church's esteem for Christ's Body present in the consecrated HostBody present in the consecrated Host

The Sacrament will remain "entombed" until The Sacrament will remain "entombed" until the Communion service on Good Fridaythe Communion service on Good Friday

No Mass will be celebrated in the Church until No Mass will be celebrated in the Church until the Easter Vigil proclaims the Resurrectionthe Easter Vigil proclaims the Resurrection

Only the dying (Only the dying (ViaticumViaticum) may receive ) may receive Communion in between Holy Thursday/Good Communion in between Holy Thursday/Good Friday and Good Friday / Easter VigilFriday and Good Friday / Easter Vigil


Stripping of the AltarStripping of the Altar Recalls the Agony in the Garden, and the Recalls the Agony in the Garden, and the

arrest and imprisonment of Jesus arrest and imprisonment of Jesus Altar bared, crosses removed or covered, Altar bared, crosses removed or covered,

symbolising the moment in the Passion of symbolising the moment in the Passion of Christ when He was stripped of His Christ when He was stripped of His garmentsgarments

Transformed from the communion table Transformed from the communion table into the tomb slab of Good Fridayinto the tomb slab of Good Friday

Usually done with a bare minimum of Usually done with a bare minimum of ceremonyceremony


Adoration of the Blessed SacramentAdoration of the Blessed Sacrament Eucharist placed in an altar of reposeEucharist placed in an altar of repose The Sacrament is The Sacrament is notnot exposed in a exposed in a

monstrance, but kept in the monstrance, but kept in the ciboriumciborium (Latin (Latin cibum, cibum, “food”)“food”)

Silent adorationSilent adoration Answer to Christ's invitation "Could you Answer to Christ's invitation "Could you

not, then, watch one hour with me?" not, then, watch one hour with me?" (Matt 26:40) (Matt 26:40)

Good Friday

A Remembrance and a A Remembrance and a PromisePromise

The mystery of death and resurrectionThe mystery of death and resurrection Fourth century: Easter is historical commemorationFourth century: Easter is historical commemoration Preparation of Catechumens for Baptism at EasterPreparation of Catechumens for Baptism at Easter The meaning of the CrossThe meaning of the Cross Veneration of the Cross became a custom of the Veneration of the Cross became a custom of the

people of Jerusalem people of Jerusalem Veneration of the Cross described by pilgrims: Veneration of the Cross described by pilgrims:

Bordeaux in 333 and the Spanish Lady Etheria later in Bordeaux in 333 and the Spanish Lady Etheria later in that century that century

N.B.: Good Friday is a day of N.B.: Good Friday is a day of fastingfasting, and , and abstinenceabstinence from meat, for those aged 14 – 60 from meat, for those aged 14 – 60 and in good health.and in good health.

The Good Friday LiturgyThe Good Friday Liturgy Good Friday liturgy is from an ancient formGood Friday liturgy is from an ancient form Celebrated in a bare ChurchCelebrated in a bare Church Cross has either been removed, or is covered Cross has either been removed, or is covered No altar frontal or ornamentation used No altar frontal or ornamentation used Clergy wear albs with red stoles (Red = martyrdom)Clergy wear albs with red stoles (Red = martyrdom) The presider may wear a cope or chasuble (The Cope is The presider may wear a cope or chasuble (The Cope is

for events outside of Mass)for events outside of Mass) In the Latin Church, the only time the clergy In the Latin Church, the only time the clergy prostratesprostrates

(goes face-down) before the altar all year(goes face-down) before the altar all year If Communion is to be distributed, the corporal and If Communion is to be distributed, the corporal and

chalice are placed on the credence tablechalice are placed on the credence table

Good Friday ReadingsGood Friday Readings

Isaiah 52:13-53:12Isaiah 52:13-53:12 The fourth “servant song"The fourth “servant song" The song begins with the triumph of The song begins with the triumph of

the servant the servant Then the triumph of the enemy Then the triumph of the enemy The servant is the redeemer of Israel The servant is the redeemer of Israel CommentaryCommentary


Hebrews 4:4-16;5:9Hebrews 4:4-16;5:9

The high priesthood of Jesus The high priesthood of Jesus

Affirms Jesus’ divinity and humanity Affirms Jesus’ divinity and humanity

Obedience to the Father Obedience to the Father CommentaryCommentary


John 18:1-19:42John 18:1-19:42

Arrest and questioning (18:1-27)Arrest and questioning (18:1-27) Trial before Pilate (18:28-19:16a)Trial before Pilate (18:28-19:16a) Crucifixion, death and burial (19:16b-Crucifixion, death and burial (19:16b-

42)42) CommentaryCommentary

Veneration of the CrossVeneration of the Cross

The Cross is processed in and revealed The Cross is processed in and revealed (“Behold, the wood of the Cross…)(“Behold, the wood of the Cross…)

Revealed after a brief time coveredRevealed after a brief time covered Brings the Passion story to a climaxBrings the Passion story to a climax Permits individual forms of Permits individual forms of

venerationveneration

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