Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, a somber worship service that concludes with the imposition of ashes on our foreheads. Ashes are a sign of mortality, as well as a sign of sorrow and repentance. But in our sorrow, we also have hope, so we receive ashes in the sign of the cross. Though sin leads to death, Jesus’ passion promises that sin and death will not have the final word for any who come to him in faith.

Lent concludes with Holy Week, an extended meditation on Jesus’ last week before his death. We walk through his triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday), Jesus’ last supper and betrayal in the garden (Maundy Thursday), his crucifixion (Good Friday), and a day of silent waiting by the tomb (Holy Saturday). After sunset on Holy Saturday, we begin to celebrate the resurrection by “keeping vigil” for the first signs of dawn– and the death of death in Jesus Christ. On Sunday morning, we enter the 50 day feast of Easter: an important number, for it proves that in the story of redemption, the feast outlives the fast.

Additional Resources

Article: Holy Week: A Rookie Anglican Guide
(Joshua Steele)
Book: Lent – The Season of Repentance and Renewal (Esau McCaulley)
The Vine’s Lent & Holy Week Music Playlist (Spotify)

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