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The Three Days: The Heart of Holy Week
In the life of the Church, there is no time more sacred than the Triduum—Latin for “the Three Days.” From a Lutheran perspective, the Triduum is not simply a series of services, but one continuous liturgy that unfolds over three days: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Vigil of Easter. Together, these days draw us into the very center of our faith about the saving work of Jesus Christ.
The Triduum begins on Maundy Thursday, when we remember Jesus’ final meal with his disciples. On this night, we hear his commandment (“mandatum”) to love one another, and we receive the gift of Holy Communion, where Christ gives us his very body and blood. Lutherans understand this not as a mere symbol, but as Christ truly present “in, with, and under” the bread and wine. The service ends in silence, as the altar is stripped, preparing us for what is to come.
Good Friday is stark and solemn. We gather not to celebrate suffering, but to proclaim the mystery of the cross: that Christ’s death is for us. In Lutheran theology, the cross reveals both the depth of human sin and the greater depth of God’s grace. Here we encounter what Martin Luther called the “theology of the cross,” where God meets us not in power or glory, but in suffering and self-giving love. We leave this service in quiet reflection, as the weight of the cross lingers.
The Triduum reaches its climax in the Vigil of Easter, which begins in darkness and bursts into light. We hear the great stories of God’s saving work, culminating in the proclamation of the resurrection. For Lutherans, this is the heart of the Gospel: Christ is risen, and in him, death does not have the final word.
In ancient times, those preparing for baptism were baptized at the Easter Vigil. Our son Ryan was baptized on the Easter Vigil in 1988. The Vigil will always be special for me. Each year, Ryan and I attended the Easter Vigil to remember his special day.
Taken together, these Three Days are one unified act of worship. There is no final dismissal until Easter, because the story is not complete until the tomb is empty. The Triduum invites us not just to remember these events, but to enter them as we walk with Christ from the table, to the cross, and to the empty tomb.
In these holy days, we are drawn into the mystery of God’s love: given for us, poured out for us, and risen for us.
Join us this Holy week, Thursday-Saturday at 7:00 PM and on Easter Sunday at 10:30 AM. We will be on Facebook at Hopeclinton on Sunday.
Come at 9:30 AM as we have our annual Easter potluck!
All are welcome!
Pastor Eric
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