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Holy Week: Holy Monday through Holy Wednesday

Holy Monday

Holy Monday is dedicated to the creation of the world, of Heaven and Earth, as the foundation of Christ's Second Creation.

On this day we recall the fig tree that did not bear fruit and was condemned by Christ (Matthew 21:18-22).  Christ was disappointed to find that the people of the covenant (Israel) bore no fruit.  Like the barren fig trees, Israel had failed to bring forth the fruits of repentance.  Nevertheless, Christ points out that faith can move mountains and can overcome death and despair.

In church we sing:

"O Christ, who is the one who renews our nature; who as a symbol of the oldness made the barren fig tree, renew us from all our sins; Come O sons of men, Let us mourn the venture of Adam, who took off, because of his sin, the garment of glory and instead of the ineffable light, put on the fig leaf."

Holy Monday Services

Selected Scripture Readings
Holy Tuesday

On Holy Tuesday, the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Maidens is recalled (Matthew 25:1-13).  Ten maidens waited for their bridegroom.  (In the custom of that time and place, the bridegroom would fetch the bride from her parents' home to bring her to his own.

Five of the women foolishly took their lamps with no extra oil and when the bridegroom was delayed, could not go out and meet him.  The wise maidens went prepared and joined him in the marriage feast.

Similarly, we pray and wait, spiritually prepared to receive Christ while recognizing that we are all sinners.  In humility we ask that the Lord show us His compassion.

We sing:

"Save me, O God, from the multitude of my sins, and render me worthy of Thy Holy Kingdom."

Holy Tuesday Services Selected Scripture Readings
Holy Wednesday

On Holy Wednesday, we recall the fallen woman who anoints Christ with costly oil and kisses His feet, in contrast to Judas who betrayed Christ for money.  The apostles chastised her for wasting what might have been used for the poor.  Christ defended her action as one of beauty and devotion, knowing that this anointing was in anticipation of His death.  (Matthew 26:3-16)

Holy Wednesday Services Selected Scripture Readings
Holy Monday-Wednesday