SONGS OF HOLY WEEK

This year Holy Week is the last week in March. This is the holiest week of the Christian year due to the Triduum, a Latin term referring to the “Threedays” of Holy Thursday (also called “Maundy Thursday”), Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. A renewed emphasis has been placed on the Triduum in recent years, along with the understanding that they are not three separate services, but one service that stretches over the course of days.

As we walk with Jesus recalling the night of his betrayal, his death and burial, and his resurrection, one of the most meaningful aspects of Holy Week is the hymns sung along the way. With our special attention to Psalms this year, I am mindful of Psalms and songs.   Let’s consider the hymns and Psalms associated with Holy Week.*

On Palm Sunday  we observe Jesus entering Jerusalem and being welcomed by the crowds. The hymn most connected to Palm Sunday is “All Glory Laud and Honor”, where we join with those first Jerusalemites in hailing our Lord as savior and king.  Our Psalm for this day is the last one, Psalm 150, which invites everyone to praise the Lord with instruments.

Holy  Thursday is when we remember the Last Supper, whereby establishing Holy Communion and Jesus gave the command for his followers to love one-another as he has first loved us (John 13:35). The hymn “My Song is Love Unknown” is often sung on this day, connecting Jesus’ love to Good Friday. The Psalm for this night is Psalm 116, which connects to the Last Supper and communion I will lift the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD (Psalm 116:3). (This year is a special Maundy Thursday, where we will welcome Patrick Aleph, a rabbinical student, who will walk us through the Passover meal Jesus ate on this night, also called the Seder meal. Please see other announcements about this special event).

Good Friday worship is an observance of Jesus’ passion (meaning “suffering”). As we hear of his crucifixion we sing  “Ah Holy Jesus” and the haunting “Were You There”.  The Psalm for the day is Psalm 22, in which Jesus quotes from the cross, “My God my God why have you forsaken me?” On this night we sing songs of sorrow and suffering, but also sing of our redemption through Jesus’s death on the cross.

Easter Sunday is a celebration of Christ’s resurrection. Easter just wouldn’t be Easter without Easter Lilies and singing “Jesus Christ is Risen Today”.  The Psalm is 118, which sums up the festival of the resurrection with This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Ps. 118:24).

At the center of Holy Week is Jesus Christ, who for our sake was crucified on the cross and then was raised from the dead on the third day. In his death our sins are forgiven, in his resurrection eternal life is extended to each of those who trust in Him. Songs and psalms flow out of us, born out of  our love for our savior. How can we keep from singing? Lend your voice to the throng!

Pastor Jason Talsness

*If you are not familiar with these hymns, they are readily heard via YouTube.