Each year, Christians around the world walk through the sacred rhythms of Holy Week, revisiting the final days of Jesus’ earthly journey before the cross and the resurrection. Why is observing Holy Week important to our preparation for Easter? 

The traditional observance of Holy Week appears to have originated in the Christian East, emerging from the practice of pilgrimages to Jerusalem. Each day of Holy Week is significant to the overall story of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.

Brian McLaren proposes, “These special holidays give rise to various liturgical calendars that suggest we should mark our days not only with the cycles of the moon and seasons, but also with occasions to tell our children the stories of our faith community’s past so that this past will have a future, and so that our ancient way and its practices will be rediscovered and renewed every year.”

This year, I’m reflecting on the rhythm and cadence of the passion narrative. When perceived through the lens of music, this holy season unfolds like a symphony—a diverse, emotive and redemptive composition in which each day plays its part in revealing the depth of God’s love and the drama of salvation.

Palm Sunday: The March Begins

The symphony opens with Palm Sunday, a bold and festive march. The crowd sings “Hosanna!” as Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey. 

The beat is steady, the tempo triumphant. Like the opening bars of a grand orchestral procession, it sets the stage with hope and expectation. But even amid the praise, there is a foreshadowing dissonance—this King will reign, but not in the way they imagine.

Monday – Wednesday: An Overture of Tension

The days that follow—Monday through Wednesday—form a complex overture. In classical music, an overture introduces the themes that will appear throughout the performance. In these days, Jesus cleanses the temple, teaches in parables, rebukes hypocrisy and foretells what is to come.

The melodies are filled with warning and wisdom, rising and falling with tension. These are the movements of confrontation and anticipation.

Maundy Thursday: A Song of Love and Friendship

Then comes Maundy Thursday, a tender, sacred love song. In the upper room, Jesus shares the Passover meal with his disciples and washes their feet. He breaks bread and pours wine—symbols of his body and blood.

The music here is intimate and hauntingly beautiful. It is the song of servant-hearted love and sacrificial friendship. “A new commandment I give you,” Jesus says, “Love one another as I have loved you.”

Good Friday: The Requiem of Sacrifice

Good Friday enters with a somber and heavy dirge. The tempo slows, the key turns minor, and the instruments echo sorrow. 

Betrayal. Trial. Crucifixion. The innocent one is condemned. The Son of God is lifted high on a cross.

The sky darkens. The earth trembles. 

It is the day when silence screams and grief is loud. And yet—even in the dirge—there is harmony: a deeper, quieter melody of redemption unfolding beneath the sorrow.

Silent Saturday: The Low Chant of Waiting

Holy Saturday is like a chant sung in low tones. It is the pause in the symphony—the space between agony and triumph. 

The disciples are disoriented. The tomb is sealed. The world holds its breath. 

This chant is steady and subdued, wrapped in mystery. Though the music seems muted, heaven is not silent. In the stillness, hope waits.

Easter Sunday: A Triumphant Crescendo

And then … the symphony erupts with Easter Sunday’s triumphant crescendo! The stone is rolled away. 

The tomb is empty. Christ is risen! 

The music soars in resurrection glory. 

Trumpets sound. Choirs rise. The whole earth rejoices. 

This is the victorious finale of the sacred symphony—sin defeated, death undone, grace poured out like song.

Holy Week is not only something we observe. It is something we experience. Like a symphony, it moves through our hearts and souls, awakening emotion, inviting reflection, and pointing us toward hope. 

This year, let us read the biblical account with fresh eyes and listen to the tunes of Holy Week with fresh ears. As we journey through these sacred days, may we hear the divine music of grace all around us—and may it move us to embrace, or perhaps even rediscover, the core message of our faith.