Story of the path

Although Holy Week is associated with a tragic telling of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, Pastor Mark Anderson hopes his parishioners will look at it more as a celebration of his resurrection.

“Professing him alive and with us is the point of Holy Week,” Anderson told his congregation at the Lutheran Church of the Master.

Christians celebrated Palm Sunday this weekend, the day Christ was welcomed into Jerusalem with a procession of palm fronds.

The commemoration of Christ’s triumphant entrance marks the beginning of Holy Week, which culminates in his crucifixion and ultimate resurrection from the dead.

Many Christian churches adorn their sanctuaries with palm fronds.

Lutheran Church of the Master had palm leaves along the sanctuary’s central path and resting on a large wooden cross behind Anderson, who gave a comparison of the colorful and dramatic Roman victory processions versus Christ’s humble entrance riding a donkey.

The Very Rev. Canon Peter D. Haynes of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal mirrored Anderson’s take on the importance of the resurrection, which is celebrated on Easter.

Easter, Haynes said, is the most important holiday for Christians.

“Without Easter we wouldn’t be paying attention to Christmas,” Haynes said.

St. Michael and All Angels celebrated with a palm procession from the church courtyard and through the palm-flanked doors into the church. The congregation re-enacts the events of Holy Week.

“In one moment we’re yelling ‘Hosanna to the Highest,’” Haynes said. “Then we’re yelling, ‘Crucify him! Crucify him!”

Christians begin Holy Week — the week leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ — with Palm Sunday.

Palm Sunday is the day Christ entered the city of Jerusalem. The people of Jerusalem welcomed his arrival by laying down palm fronds as Jesus rode through the city.