References:
The “Holy”
Holy - ἅγιος (hag’-ee-os): most holy thing, a saint
229 times in 219 vss in NT
Often associated with the Spirit (Holy Spirit)
Sometimes with places
The holy city, being Jerusalem
The Holiest place in the tabernacle
The Holy of holies in the Temple (Heb 9)
Hagiography vs damnatio memoriae
The Holy “Triduum” - not a Biblical word. Latin for three days (Maundy Thu, Good Fri, Holy Sat)
History that impacted our history of the Holy Triduum
The Gospel’s story in relation to the Passion Narratives
Matthew - 28.6%
Total chapters = 28
Chapters focused on Holy Week = 8
Mark - 37.5%
Total Chapters = 16
Chapters focused on Holy Week = 6
Luke - 23%
Total Chapters = 24
Chapters focused on Holy Week = 5.5
John - 47.6%
Total Chapters = 21
Chapters focused on Holy Week = 10
All total, the narrative of the last week of Jesus’ life through the resurrection makes up over one third of the total Gospel witness.
Many scholars have quipped that the Gospels are about the last week of Jesus’ ministry with an extended introduction.
The Early Church (1st–3rd Century)
The Fourth Century Expansion
Medieval Shifts
20th Century on
Theological Significance
The Counting of the “Three Days”: Following the Jewish liturgical tradition, a day begins at sunset.
Day 1: Thursday evening (The Last Supper, foot washing and the “new” command).
Day 2: Friday evening (Crucifixion, death and burial).
Day 3: Saturday (Quiet, waiting, pause).
Continuous Liturgy: Liturgically, it is treated as one event.
There is no final blessing on Holy Thursday
No opening greeting on Good Friday.
The comemoration that begins Thursday evening does not formally conclude until the end of the Easter Vigil.
Application
1. Holy Thursday (The Lord’s Last Supper, Holy Communion )
2. Good Friday (Celebration of the Lord’s Passion)
3. Holy Saturday & The Easter Vigil
