HOLY WEEK IS one of those traditions that may only seem to have a market for theology students. For most, Easter means hard-boiled eggs, chocolate rabbits and spending time with family. But for those of us fascinated by this set of odd rituals, there is something significant found in reliving the drama of the days between Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem and the resurrection celebrated on Easter Vigil. Far too often, we look past this part of the story. We get so excited by resurrection and hope that we miss the pain of the disciples. We don’t like dwell in their suffering. We don’t want to experience the death of Jesus. We don’t comprehend that as Jesus descends into hell, God risks everything for us—even God’s very self. The way we think about death is not just important in the midst of crisis or tragedy. Only when we take the full weight of Jesus’ death can we fully comprehend the fragile moments of tragedy. And only then can we fully understand the grace Jesus shows us along the way.
