Why the week before Easter is called Holy week

PIC: Christians waving palm leaves as they worship on Palm Sunday. (File photo)

FAITH

KAMPALA - Christians across the country on Sunday joined other faithful worldwide in celebrating Palm Sunday to mark the beginning of the Holy Week.

Palm Sunday is held in commemoration of Jesus' humble and triumphant entry to Jerusalem before he was killed.

As we prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Sunday, do you know why the week before Easter is called Holy Week?

The Holy week is the last week in Lent. It starts on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday.

The Rev. Steven Gerenga of St John's Church in Kamwokya explains the meaning of holy week to Christians. "This Holy/passion week is important to us as Christians, people should hold prayers at their different churches or groups this week as we commemorate the Passion of Christ, who died on Good Friday in reparation for the sins of mankind, and rose on Easter Sunday to give new life to all who believe."

He says Holy Week is solemn and sorrowful, it also anticipates the joy of Easter through the recognition of God's goodness in sending His Son to die for Christians' salvation.

Gerenga calls upon Christians to love one another and acknowledge that Jesus died to set us free and save us from sin.

Apostle James Mukwaya of Grace Ministries in Nabweru asks believers to use the Holy Week to purify themselves.

"This being the holy week, you should take this opportunity to purify your souls. Even when faced with a challenge, always pray like Jesus did," notes Mukwaya.

According to Gerenga, on Holy Thursday, Jesus and his disciples had the last supper together. This is when He prophesied that JJudas Iscariot would betray Him. This day teaches us to be united as Jesus also stopped the disciples from continuing a violent resistance.

On Friday of the Holy Week, we commemorate Jesus' arrest, trial, crucifixion, suffering, death and burial. Some churches use the way of the cross as part of the service.

On Holy Saturday Jesus was laid in the tomb.