On Monday night, I was telling my class about the Triduum and one of the boys asked, “what are Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday called?” in light of the fact that we have Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. I told him that those 3 days don’t really have a name other than being part of Holy Week.
I forgot that Wednesday of Holy Week is known as Spy Wednesday!
As a kid, I was always fascinated by the notion of “Spy Wednesday.” That name always created a sense of drama and intrigue. Unfortunately, I never understood it as anything more than the recollection of the day that Judas conspired to betray Jesus. In other words, it was always just part of the retelling of a story that took place long ago…dramatic, yes, but not personally meaningful.
What was missing was any attempt to do meaningful theological reflection on the substance of this day as it applies to our own personal journey as disciples. In other words, every day of the liturgical year invites us to reflect upon our relationship with Jesus in light of the Gospel.
After all these years, I finally came across an excellent treatment of Spy Wednesday. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Spy Wednesday Offers Conversion to Everyone!
I agree that is a great reflection too!
Someone asked me, if it’s Holy Week then what happens on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday? Now I know what happens on Wednesday. And I know what we reflect on during Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Vigil.
Does anyone know what we should reflect on specifically on Monday and Tuesday?
In particular, Jenn, the best bet is always to look to the Scripture readings of the day to guide us in our reflections. On Monday of Holy Week, we hear from Isaiah, describing the suffering servant and then hear of how Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, anoints Jesus’ feet with oil, a foreshadowing of his death and burial. On Tuesday, Isaiah again speaks of the suffering servant while in the Gospel, Jesus speaks of his imminent betrayal. Although Monday and Tuesday of Holy week do not have the dramatic events to commemorate as do the other days, they are no less part of the week we set aside to reflect on holiness and discipleship.
“I forgot that Wednesday of Holy Week is known as Spy Wednesday!”
Yeah…I forgot too, and my kids ask me the same question about Holy Week.
Hello! I’m a catechist in Argentina and I wanted to say that in my country, Monday, Tuesday and wednesday in Holy Week do have a name: they’re called Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday and Holy Wednesday; in Spanish, Lunes Santo, Martes Santo Santo and Mi rcoles Santo.
Maria, thanks for sending your thoughts from Argentina!