Brothers and Sisters,
Holy Week is nearly here. I must admit that I generally approach Holy Week with a little bit of fear and trembling, both because it’s usually quite busy, but also because I know that I will be preaching on some very precious and central gospel truths. Indeed, the message of Holy Week is all about the gospel.
Our liturgy highlights that reality for us in our Proper Preface for Holy Week, when it says of Jesus:
For our sins he was lifted high upon the Cross, that he might draw the whole world to himself; and by his suffering and death he became the author of eternal salvation for all who put their trust in him.
Our liturgy for Holy Week is presenting us with an absolute wealth of gospel truth. First, Christ died for our sins. He truly suffered and truly died for the sins of the whole world, demonstrating his great love for us. The suffering and death of Christ was not merely a gesture. There is power in the blood of Jesus shed for us! By his suffering and death, Christ really did become the author of eternal salvation for all who put their trust in him.
In his suffering for us, we find redemption. In his wounds, we find healing. In his death, we find life, because he bore our sins and died in our place. The crucified One is our salvation! That’s the simple gospel message that we remember during Holy Week.
As Holy Week approaches, look to the One who suffered and died for you.
In Christ,
Fr. Caleb