One could possibly also ask, “What is different?” What is different this week?
This is a week full of symbolism for Jews and Christians. In many churches, tomorrow, Thursday, April 5 will be observed as Maundy Thursday. Worshipers will follow the clergy washing each other's feet following the example of Jesus. Celebrations of Holy Communion will recall the Last Supper – even as scholars have not been able to identify the exact day of the Last Supper.
Friday, of course, is the holiest day of western Christianity – if there is such a thing as a holy day. Some Christians in Cincinnati will climb the steep steps to the Holy Cross-Immaculata Church in Mt. Adams. All around the country, Christians will commemorate, in one form or another, the death of Jesus on the cross. Some Christians in the Philippines will even choose to be nailed to crosses, in attempts to experience Jesus' agony and pain.
Had there been nothing after Good Friday, there would not have been Christianity. Easter Sunday, or the Day of the Resurrection is at the center of the Christian faith, and so Saturday will be the Great Easter Vigil in many churches.
Perhaps all this is familiar information for many. Even the fact that Passover for our brothers and sisters of the Jewish faith begins at sunset on April 6 may be common knowledge – and hence the title of this writing.
So, why should this week be any different, or what is different about it? Find out next.
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