“Easter is upon us with colored eggs, chocolate bunnies, brunches, and parades. Amidst the fun, it is for Christians the highest of high holy days. So here is a brief primer on the most important three days in the Christian calendar. They last from sundown on Thursday to sunrise on Sunday and are called The Triduum.
The three day service begins on Thursday evening and commemorates three important events: the establishment of the Eucharist or Holy Communion; the new commandment to love one another as Jesus has loved us; and Christ’s demonstration of what it means to be a servant leader. It is also the evening when Jesus was arrested and taken to temple leaders for a show trial.
It is the evening of the Last Supper, probably a Passover meal, a Seder. During the meal, Jesus did two extraordinary things. First, he took a piece of bread, gave the blessing, broke it, and said, “This is my body given for you.” After supper, he took a cup of wine, said the blessing, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my blood of the new covenant, shed for you and many for the forgiveness of sins.” It sealed the new covenant God had promised through the voice of Jeremiah. Each time we celebrate the Eucharist, Holy Communion, we participate in the blessing of this last supper.
That same night, he washed his disciples’ feet. It was something one could do for oneself but would never do for somebody else. The Lord bending to wash his disciples’ feet demonstrated the servant leadership they were to take up.
Friday, Good Friday, remembers the completion of the trial before temple leaders and the Roman governor Pilate. It follows Jesus’ pathway to Golgotha, the place of execution outside the city gates where he was crucified along with two others. It was a form of execution reserved for the worst of criminals and anyone who incited insurrection.
Christians gather at noon on Friday in a church stripped of all its adornments. They listen to the story of his crucifixion and his burial in a tomb hewn out of rock. It is a time for deep, profound meditation on the meaning of the cross for all humanity.
They gather again for the great vigil of Easter in a darkened church after sundown on Saturday evening. They listen to the story of God’s people from creation through the prophecies of the Messiah who will redeem all of God’s people. Midway through the service, Christ’s resurrection is proclaimed in loud voices, the lights come on, and all the glory of the Easter decorations is revealed. The service continues with hymns, prayers, readings, and joyful celebration of Holy Communion.
The three days are ended. What follows are the traditional Easter Sunday morning services of joyful celebration.”