Hey there, friends. Holy Week is almost here—April 13–19, 2025 —and it’s kind of a big deal.
- A) because it’s Holy Week of course. It’s the primary week defining the source of our faith, the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. And…
- B) because it’s the first Holy Week in decades that I have not been on a parish schedule of some sort. It’s quite an adjustment.
Holy Week is the week that we walk step-by-step with Jesus through his Passion, Death, and Resurrection. It’s heavy, beautiful, and life-changing if we let it be. I’ve put together a daily reflection plan to help us dive into this sacred time with open hearts. It’s rooted in Scripture, some wisdom from St. Augustine, and the Catechism. It’s about repentance, soaking in Christ’s love, and stepping into the “newness of life” that St. Paul talks about thematically in his post-Resurrection spirituality.
No pressure—just a way to make this week count. Ready to jump in? Here’s how it goes.
Palm Sunday, April 13: The Cheers and the Betrayal
We kick off with Palm Sunday, when Jesus rides into Jerusalem to shouts of “Hosanna!”—and then the crowd flips on him. It’s a gut-punch to think about. One minute, they’re waving palms, everything is humanly glorious; the next, they’re shouting for death. And not just any death – but death by Crucifixion. Where do I betray Jesus Christ in my own life? Praising Jesus one day, then ignoring him when it’s tough? How do I experience the Holy Spirit alive in my heart, and present in my works, trials, and the joys of my life?
- Think About: How’s my loyalty to Jesus? Where do I waver?
- Read: Matthew 21:1–11 or Mark 11:1–11.
- Nod to St. Augustine: He calls Easter Jesus’ “passing from death to life” (John 10:18). That journey starts here, and it’s all his choice—love in action.
- Try This:
- Grab a palm at Mass and let it remind you to stick with Jesus this week.
- Pray: “Lord, give me the guts to follow you, no matter what.”
- Jot down: Where have I said “Hosanna” but not lived it?
Monday, April 14: Jesus Means Business
On Monday, we have quite the surprise as Jesus heads straight into the Temple and turns over the tables for exchanging of currencies and religious necessities. He cleanses the temple and teaches vibrantly in faith. What virtues—integrity, humility, justice—does He want me to lean into? How will I practice those virtues in my words, in my actions, in my attitudes? He’s showing us how to live, and it’s daring.
- Think About: Which virtues do I need to work on? Where am I sadly lacking in virtue?
- Read: Mark 11:15–19 or John 12:20–36.
- Big Idea: Living in “newness of life” means picking up Jesus’ way of doing things—heart and soul.We take up our cross and head into a newness of living.
- Try This:
- Pick one of Jesus’ teachings and let it challenge you today.
- Pray: “Jesus, mold my heart to your truth.”
- Choose a virtue to practice, like humility in a conversation.
Tuesday, April 15: Getting Ready for Mystery
After the dramatic events of the first two days of the week, Tuesday has been quieter yet intense. Jesus is teaching his disciples, dropping hints about his death and what’s coming. It’s like he’s inviting us to get our hearts ready for the Paschal Mystery—his sacrifice and glory. How do I open up to that?
- Think About: How can I remotely prepare – mentally, spiritually, physically, presently – to really “get” what Jesus is about to do?
- Read: John 13:31–38 or Matthew 26:1–5.
- Nod to St. Augustine: He talks about the “wondrous economy” of Christ’s mysteries—God’s plan unfolding in ways we couldn’t see until Jesus made it clear.
- Try This:
- Reflect on the Last Supper (John 13). What’s it saying to you? Practice speaking words of virtue.
- Pray: “Lord, show me your mysteries as I draw close.”
- Write down one way you can say “yes” to God’s will this week.
“Spy Wednesday”, April 16: The Sting of Betrayal
Wednesday.
Years ago I was baptized on the Wednesday of Holy Week, and it holds a place in my spirit.
Judas makes his move, the betrayal happens, selling Jesus out. How do we simultaneously come to know Jesus better and betray him at the same time? This is a reality in our relationship with Jesus, because it helps to serve as an idealized way of living and acting, because we betray ourselves and others many times, in many ways, in life.
It’s a day to face the reality of sin—mine, yours, the world’s—and how it weighs on him.
- Think About: How do my choices add to Jesus’ suffering?
- Read: Matthew 26:14–25 or Luke 22:1–6.
- Nod to St. Augustine: He says we should confess our sins to “avert God’s wrath.” Sin’s no joke—it’s why Jesus is heading to the Cross.
- Try This:
- Sit in silence for 10 minutes, picturing Jesus’ loneliness.
- Pray Psalm 51 or another prayer of sorrow for your sins.
- If you can, hit up confession to start fresh.
- Note – I was Baptized on Spy Wednesday back in 1961.
Holy Thursday, April 17: Love in Bread and Service
Thursday things get real. Jesus washes his disciples’ feet, institues the Priesthood, gives us the Eucharist the Bread of Life, and says, “Love one another.” Then he’s betrayed and headed off to a prison across the Maccabean stairs. How can I live that kind of love?
- Think About: What does it mean to serve like Jesus?
- Read: John 13:1–17 or Luke 22:14–20.
- Big Idea: The Catechism calls the Eucharist the heart of our faith; St. Augustine sees it as the “table of God’s mysteries” that feeds our souls.
- Try This:
- Go to the Mass of the Lord’s Supper if you can.
- Spend 15 minutes in adoration, just thanking Jesus for the Eucharist.
- Do something kind—like helping a neighbor—to mirror his service.
Good Friday, April 18: The Cross Changes Everything
Good Friday is raw. Jesus suffers and dies for us. It’s the day we face the Cross head-on and realize what his love costs. It’s not just history—it’s personal. His death is for me, for you.
- Think About: How does Jesus’ sacrifice call me to change?
- Read: John 18:1–19:42 or Isaiah 53:4–7.
- Nod to St. Augustine: He says this day is “stamped with his blood.” That’s how much God loves us.
- Try This:
- Fast and skip meat to join in Jesus’ suffering.
- Pray the Stations of the Cross or read the Passion story.
- Ask yourself: What does the Cross mean for my life right now?
Holy Saturday, April 19: Waiting in Hope
Saturday’s still and heavy, but there’s a spark of hope. Jesus descends to the dead—what we call the Harrowing of Hell—breaking the gates wide open. It’s a day to wait, trusting he’s about to flip the script.
- Think About: How does Jesus’ victory give me hope?
- Read: 1 Peter 3:18–20 or Matthew 27:57–66.
- Big Idea: The Catechism says Jesus brought salvation to the dead. In Eastern Orthodox churches, they’re already pulling out white vestments, celebrating the broken gates of hell.
- Try This:
- Spend 10 minutes praying quietly, imagining Jesus’ triumph.
- Pray: “Lord, fill me with hope for your Resurrection.”
- Get your heart ready for Easter by thinking about renewal.
Easter Sunday, April 20: He’s Alive—Now What?
And then—boom—Easter Sunday! Jesus is risen, death is done, and everything’s new. It’s joy, it’s hope, it’s a call to live differently because he’s alive. How will that change us this week?
- Think About: How can I live the truth of the Resurrection?
- Read: John 20:1–18 or Acts 10:34–43.
- Big Idea: We’re called to walk in “newness of life,” transformed by Jesus’ victory.
- Try This:
- Celebrate at Easter Mass with all you’ve got.
- Pray: “Risen Lord, make me new in your love.”
- Pick one thing—like forgiving someone—to live out Christ’s life this week.
- List ways that you can live in “newness of life” with Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, one another.
A Few Tips to Keep It Real
- Don’t Overdo It: Pick one reflection or action each day. Small steps add up.
- Stay With It: Grab a journal to write down what hits you—prayers, insights, whatever.
- Lean Into Grace: This week’s about drawing close to Jesus. Trust he’s got you.
- Take time to be Holy.
So, that’s the plan. Print it, save it, stick it on your fridge—whatever works. Holy Week’s a chance to go deep with Jesus, to let his Passion and Resurrection sink into our bones. Let’s do this together and come out on Easter Sunday ready to live like he’s truly risen. Because he has.
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