Holy Week A Journey with Jesus

Dear friends on the journey,

Here we are...Holy Week. For the last five weeks of Lent, we have been on a pilgrimage, a spiritual journey of conversion of the heart as we seek to follow Jesus more faithfully. But we’re not there yet. As a matter of fact, with Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem today hailed with palms and hosannas, we too are entering the most sacred and holy part of the pilgrimage: his passion, death and resurrection.

If you’ve struggled with your Lenten promises, if you’re feeling like you missed the mark this season, and/ or you’re desiring to experience Holy Week in a rich meaningful way, this is your opportunity. I invite you to journey with Jesus this week by going deeper into what each day means, moving from routine observance to a more personal, reflective, and transformative experience. Here are meaningful ways to do that:

Slow Down Intentionally
Holy Week loses depth when it’s rushed.
• Set aside quiet time daily (even 10–15 minutes)
• Reduce distractions (social media, unnecessary busyness)
• Let the week feel different from normal life

Pray with Purpose Each Day
Match your prayer to the meaning of the day:
• Palm Sunday: Surrender and welcome
• Midweek: Repentance and honesty
• Holy Thursday: Gratitude and humility
• Good Friday: Silence and sorrow
• Holy Saturday: Waiting and trust

Offering a simple prayer like “Lord, help me understand your love more deeply today” can be powerful.
Stay with the Hard Parts
Many people rush past Good Friday to get to Easter. Instead sit in the tomb:
• Hold the weight of the crucifixion
• Reflect on suffering, injustice, and sacrifice
• Allow yourself to feel grief and gratitude
• This makes Easter joy real, not superficial.
Enter the Story (not just read it)
Instead of just reading scripture, place yourself in it:
• Imagine being in the crowd on Palm Sunday
• Sitting at the table during the Last Supper
• Standing at the cross on Good Friday

Asking yourself: What would I feel? Where would I be? How would I respond to Jesus?
Practice Real Sacrifice & Service
Holy Week is about love that costs something.
• Forgive someone you’ve been holding onto
• Help someone quietly without recognition
• Give up something meaningful (not just convenient)

The deeper the sacrifice, the more meaningful the week becomes.
Let Easter Be Earned Joy
If Holy Week is deep, Easter becomes powerful.
• Celebrate intentionally (not just casually)
• Reflect on what has changed in you during the week
• Carry something forward (a habit, insight, or commitment

May this Holy Week draw you closer to the heart of Jesus. May his sacrifice renew your spirit, his love fill your heart, and his peace guide your days.


Siempre Adelante,
​

Teresa Runyon
Pastoral Associate 

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