My good friend John wrote recently. He wanted to know—or perhaps he looked forward to me explaining—exactly why we call today “Good” Friday. On the surface, it’s a branding disaster. We are, after all, commemorating a crucifixion. Usually, when we describe a day involving state-sponsored execution, “good” isn’t the first adjective that leaps to mind.…
Maundy Thursday
At first glance, the word “Maundy” carries a heavy, almost somber weight, the kind that makes you want to hang your head in reflection. But the word’s true roots are far from depressing. It is derived from the Latin mandatum, meaning “mandate” or “commandment.” On this day, the mandate isn’t to walk around with our…
Spy Wednesday
This is no April Fools’ joke, though the timing often aligns. This Wednesday of Holy Week is traditionally known as “Spy Wednesday.” It marks the dark pivot in the Passion narrative where Judas Iscariot sought out the chief priests to strike a bargain. For thirty pieces of silver—the price of a slave—he agreed to act…
The Rarest Generosity
Simone Weil once wrote that “attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.” As the shadows of Lent begin to fade and the light of Easter approaches, we often find ourselves looking back at the 40-day journey with a sense of “unfinished business.” We ask ourselves: Is there something left undone? Is there a…
Lighter Shade of Pale
In the Christian calendar, today is Holy Monday. According to the Gospels, Jesus was keeping a brisk pace: he cursed the fig tree, cleansed the temple, and went toe-to-toe with those questioning his authority. He was busy, focused, and clearly a man on a mission. For most of us, however, it’s just another Monday—perhaps with…