From Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem to His even more triumphant victory on the Cross, next week commemorates some of the most pivotal events in human history. For those of us celebrating Lent, we are in the home stretch of our practice of discipline. Like a long-distance runner sprints to the finish, I believe we are called to extra exertion during this holiest of weeks. Ever since college, I’ve made Holy Week truly a time set apart from the rest of the year.
I try to keep my schedule as open as possible, especially Thursday through Sunday, making lots of time to enter into prayer and meditate on the sacrifice of the Cross. I cut even more from my diet and often do few entertainment activities.
If you’ve fallen off the metaphorical spiritual wagon (i.e. lost track of or failed miserably at your Lenten promises), now is the time to climb back on and commit for one week. You can do anything for one week!
If you haven’t yet gotten to Reconciliation this Lent, make it a point to go in the next couple of days. Christ deserves to have our souls sparkling clean in preparation to commemorate His death and Resurrection.
Whether you cut more from your food intake or are already pretty austere, consider a genuine focus on not wasting food during Holy Week, and be sure to find somewhere to give a special Lenten tithe to. I always take money from the grocery budget and put it in our “rice bowl” collection box from Catholic Relief Services, or simply mail them a donation. I know CRS does amazing work all around the world at all times of year, and I trust them to use my money wisely.
For a non-denominational option, I remain impressed with Feeding America.
What I’m Doing
Let’s not assume that I’m an example to follow, but allow me to give you some ideas about what you may want to consider.
- Less entertainment: Sometimes that means cutting out television; this year perhaps it will be the Wii. The computer will go off from Thursday evening until Sunday evening.
- More simple food: When I mentioned, “I’m thinking about going meatless for Holy Week,” to my husband and he replied, “Let’s do it,” I knew it was God’s will because (a) he loves his meat, and (b) thinks I’m a bit food crazy already. I’m letting the dark chocolate go, too, and many years when I don’t do a modified fast (no eating between meals) for all of Lent, I do for Holy Week.
- Deeper prayer: I still need to talk to my husband about this. Perhaps we’ll do a Rosary each day as a couple. That would be good for us. I’d like to watch The Passion of the Christ Thursday evening.
- For children: I’m planning for this Palm Sunday “egg salad” activity with my kids. I saw another version with grass seeds, and the eggshells go in a basket to make the “Easter grass”. Both beautiful symbols of new life!
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Photos from eye2eye and Avondale Pattillo UMC
Thank you for the post. It will be added inspiration for me to make the most out of next week.
I have been enjoying your blog the last couple of weeks and appreciate the ‘balance’ that you’ve tried to maintain in the eco/diet/family/financial choices that you’ve made.
I am Catholic and the homeschooling mother of 4 teenagers 15, 17, 18, and 19. Actually, only ‘schooling’ 2 now. ‘Big Job’ is almost finished!
Keep up the great writing! Pax
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Katie Reply:
March 26th, 2010 at 2:37 am
Thank you so much, Susan. It’s so nice to hear of the many others trying to balance their stewardship in all areas.
Katie
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Tweets that mention Mary and Martha Moment: How will you set Holy Week Apart? | Kitchen Stewardship -- Topsy.com // Mar 25, 2010 at 12:25 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Katie Kimball, Big Binder. Big Binder said: RT @kitchenstew New at KS: Mary and Martha Moment: How will you set Holy Week Apart? http://ow.ly/16SUNu <<< I love this post! [...]
Those are great, Katie. We’re all lucky to have you around, blogging so honestly about everyday life.
I haven’t figured out my additional Holy Week sacrifice yet. I didn’t honestly start thinking about it until yesterday. 2.5 days to figure it out? Hopefully.
.-= Em.´s last blog ..Life in Numbers: Vol 4 =-.
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We have a couple Holy week traditions I thought I’d share…
One is that each year I go through the “Resurrection Eggs” with the kids. You can get a set at a Christian store (or google it to make your own). I love going through the whole Easter story with the kids like this and talking simply and quietly with them about all He did for us.
Also, each year on Holy Thursday we have a “family foot washing”. We take turns and go around to each person one at a time, and as we “wash their feet” (with a pitcher of warm water, pouring over a big bowl) we say their name and something we’d like to apologize for. It’s very special for the kids to hear Mommy or Daddy saying they’re sorry to each other for being snappy or whatever, and to see siblings who may have been shoving at each other an hour ago, saying they’re sorry for teasing or not being kind.
Happy Holy week everyone!
Kelly
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Katie Reply:
March 26th, 2010 at 2:14 am
Kelly,
Lovely! Sue is going to have our Atrium kids do Res eggs; I’m a rookie, so I’m excited!
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I am working on plans to go deeper during Holy Week. Between being sick at the beginning of Lent, plus the gardening stuff, I feel like I haven’t entered Lent as completely as I would have liked or helped my children to understand Lent at their level. The majority of my children are six and under so there’s time.
My thought right now for Holy Week is to celebrate Palm Sunday with mass and a big Sunday meal. I’d like to take a break from the computer for all of us Holy Thursday through Easter and do the same with tv on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. I have some ideas in the works for meal plans and if the weather cooperates, we will try to see a local Good Friday procession. I’m waiting on the schedule of events at our local parish, including the blessing of the bread which happens Saturday morning.
.-= Barb@My Daily Round´s last blog ..tomorrow: meatless meals lenten carnival =-.
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Thanks for prompting me to consider what we’ll do next week. I haven’t been in the habit of observing Holy week like this; it’s not part of our tradition or my own childhood. But I really appreciate your reminder of why this is a good thing to do. We’ll spend some time finding what we can do to commemorate this meaningful time as a family.
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Thank you for the reminder. I’ve been so wrapped up in the “to-do’s” associated with company coming into town that I hadn’t given deep thought as how to mark Holy Week. We struggle with a 4 and 2 year old, so we’re limited in what we can do, but it’s true we can find something.
.-= Robbie´s last blog ..GPB: Sweet Sixteen =-.
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I figured it out. I’m terrified. (The story is in the comment luv post that linked)
In addition, I intend to read the Holy Thursday/Good Friday parts of the Gospels this week.
I’m also trying to organize a ‘study vigil’ for Saturday night or early Sunday morning where a small group can sit around reading the resurrection story, eating amazing food, and sharing in the beginnings of joy together. My search for willing participants, however, is not going so well.
.-= Em.´s last blog ..Holy Week 2010: Palm Sunday =-.
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