Lutheran Church of Mahomet, The Invitation 2018 Easter Invitation | Page 13

Each day in Holy Week holds special significance for us as we observe Christ’s journey to the
cross and eventual resurrection. Very few Lutheran churches—or Christian churches in general,
even—observe each of these days. Hopefully, this guide will be a tool for you and your family,
helping you to observe eac h day in your own way and in your own time. For each day, you will
find a brief introduction for the day, as well as the prescribed readings.
Matthew 21:1-11, Isaiah
50:4-9a, Matthew 21:12-22
Isaiah 42:1-9, John 12:1-11
Isaiah 49:1-7,John 12:20-36
Christ enters triumphantly into Jerusalem. Crowds
gather to wave palm fronds and lay their cloaks on
the ground before the Messiah. With one voice, they
shout, “Hosanna! Hosanna!” which means “Save us!
Save us!” Christ is nearing the end of his journey to
the cross, nearing the victory over death. (NOTE:
The Gospel texts listed below are from Year A of our
Revised Common Lectionary.)
During Holy Week some communities gather each
day to meditate on Jesus’ final days before his death
on the cross. Today’s gospel commemorates the
anointing of Jesus by Mary, a foreshadowing of his
death and burial. Isaiah speaks of the suffering serv-
ant who is a light for the nations and who faithfully
brings forth justice. For Christians, Jesus’ suffering
is the path to resurrection and new life. We eagerly
await the celebration of the great Three Days later
this week.
As the great Three Days draw near, some communi-
ties gather each day of Holy Week for worship. Paul
proclaims Christ crucified as the wisdom and power
of God. Jesus speaks of the grain of wheat that falls
into the earth and dies in order that it may bear
fruit. We die with Christ in baptism that we may be
raised with him to new life. We will celebrate this
great mystery of death and resurrection at the East-
er Vigil later this week.