By Staff
GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE A wooden cross lies on the side of a hill at Jubilee Mennonite Church as people from several faiths joined in Friday to mark Holy Week and commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus. About 1,500 people attended this year's Way of the Cross/Way of Peace walk through downtown Meridian an annual Easter season service in the city. Photo by Paula Merritt / The Meridian Star.
By Ida Brown / religion editor
Last week, congregants in many area churches observed Palm Sunday or Passion Sunday the beginning of Holy Week, which marks Jesus' journey to the cross.
While some church traditions focus specifically on the events of the last week of Jesus' life, many liturgies also symbolize larger themes that marked his entire ministry.
Observances during the week included Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday, marking the Last Supper, and Good Friday, commemorating the day of Jesus' arrest and crucifixion.
Other observances include today, Holy Saturday, the day Jesus rested in the tomb. And the week culminates on Easter Sunday the day Jesus rose from the dead.
For many, this year's Holy Week has even more significance occurring at a time when the United States is at war in one of the most sacred places on Earth.
In the following, two local ministers discuss the week's significance.
An atonement
of Jesus' death
According to the Rev. Timothy Thompson, pastor of St. Paul and Haven Chapel Methodist churches, the significance of Holy Week in the Christian church is profound.
Holy Week symbolizes the atoning death of Jesus.
The season of Lent is preparation for Holy Week.
In times of war
Commenting on the current war's impact on Holy Week, the Rev. David Wood, pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church, said there is a working of God's providence in all events.
Placed in the context of Holy Week, and Jesus' death and resurrection, Wood said it brings to focus that man is mortal and sinful.
Power of
Holy Week
message
Thompson said the focus of Holy Week should be on the Gospel not the current state of affairs.