Holy Week is the most sacred time of the Christian year—a time to pause, reflect, and draw closer to the heart of Christ. It’s a journey through the most profound mysteries of our faith: Jesus’ suffering, death, and Resurrection.
One simple, powerful way to keep your heart aligned with Christ this Holy Week is through spiritual reading.
By spending a few minutes each day with Scripture, the writings of the saints, or reflections from trusted spiritual authors, you can enrich your prayer, quiet your mind, and better understand what Holy Week is all about.
Here’s how to use spiritual reading to deepen your Holy Week experience:
1. Start with Scripture
The Bible is the foundation of spiritual reading—especially during Holy Week. Each day, try to read and reflect on the Gospel passage for the day or other relevant Scriptures like the Psalms or the Passion narratives. Read slowly and prayerfully. Allow yourself to be transported back to Jerusalem, to Calvary, to the empty tomb.
2. Choose a Companion for the Journey
In addition to Scripture, choose a short book or daily reflection that aligns with the themes of Holy Week. Many spiritual classics and contemporary authors offer wisdom on suffering, humility, obedience, and the love of Christ. Let their words guide your meditation and give you a deeper understanding of the sacred events we remember this week.
3. Create a Daily Rhythm
Even five or ten minutes a day can make a big difference. Set aside time—maybe in the morning before the day begins, during a lunch break, or before you attend a Holy Week liturgy or service. Allow the themes of Holy Week to seep into your life, reflecting on them and journeying with Jesus each day in your prayer.
4. Reflect, Don’t Just Read
Spiritual reading is not about racing through chapters—it’s about letting truth resonate and truly entering into the. After you read, pause and reflect on something that stood out to you. Focus on small, meaningful excerpts that will help put you in the mindset of prayerfully recalling Jesus’ Passion and hopefully anticipating the Resurrection.
5. Let Each Day of Holy Week Speak to You
Each day of Holy Week carries its own unique spiritual tone:
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Palm Sunday reminds us of Jesus’ kingship and our need for humility.
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Holy Monday–Wednesday call us to prepare our hearts.
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Holy Thursday invites us into service and Eucharistic love.
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Good Friday places us at the foot of the Cross.
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Holy Saturday teaches us to wait in hope.
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Easter Sunday bursts with the joy of Resurrection.
As St. Josemaria Escriva shared in a homily during Holy Week, “Only if we try to understand the mystery of God's love — a love which went as far as death — will we be able to give ourselves totally to others and not let ourselves be overcome by difficulties or indifference.”
We hope that these tips will help you to understand the intense sacrifice Our Lord made for us, to better rejoice in His Resurrection, and to share the hope of Easter with others!
