I was asked, "What is so special about Holy Week?" Let me do a comparison, knowing that comparisons are not adequate. I shall begin with a question, "What is the importance of spring training for a baseball player?" Players report to spring training so that they can get themselves in shape spiritually, psychologically and physically for the up coming season. If they don't get in shape they cannot adequately perform to their ability. The next step in the training process is the exhibition games where they hone their skills in real time. The season of lent is a time of preparation for the Christian when we prepare ourselves for the celebration of the Paschael Mystery by our participation in the lenten liturgies, special prayers, alms giving and self denial.
Holy Week is the intensification of this preparation and brings our focus to Holy Thursday when we liturgical make present in the here and now the last supper Jesus celebrated with his disciples, Jesus suffering and death on the cross and his glorious resurrection. There is no greater event for the Christian because, in Jesus' death and resurrection, sin and death have been defeated.