Church Matters: Retrieving the Great Tradition

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Appendix 37 The Church Year – Western Church The Urban Ministry Institute

The purpose of the liturgical calendar is to remember, to reenact, and to be transformed by the major events of Jesus’ life in real time.

Advent (Begins late November or early December) A season of anticipation and repentance which focuses on the First and Second Comings of Christ . The dual focus means that Advent both begins and ends the Christian year (Isa. 9.1-7; 11.1-16; Mark 1.1-8).

Christmas (December 25) Celebrates the Birth of Christ (Luke 2.1-20).

Epiphany (January 6) The Feast of Epiphany on January 6 commemorates the coming of the Magi, which reveals Christ’s mission to the world. The entire season of Epiphany then emphasizes the way in which Christ revealed himself to the world as the Son of God (Luke 2.32; Matt. 17.1-6; John 12.32). The last Sunday in Epiphany celebrates the Transfiguration. Ash Wednesday (The seventh Wednesday before Easter) A day of fasting and repentance that reminds us that we are disciples about to begin the journey with Jesus that ends in the cross (Luke 9.51). Ash Wednesday begins the observance of Lent. Lent (Forty days before Easter (excluding Sundays) A time for reflection on the suffering and death of Jesus . Lent also emphasizes “death to self” so that, like Jesus, we prepare ourselves to obey God no matter what sacrifice it involves. Lenten observance calls for people to fast as a way of affirming this attitude of obedience (Luke 5.35; 1 Cor. 9.27; 2 Tim. 2.4; Heb. 11.1-3). Holy Week (Determined by the date of Easter Sunday which occurs in March or April) Palm Sunday – The Sunday before Easter which commemorates the Triumphal Entry of Christ (John 12.12-18). Maundy* Thursday – The Thursday before Easter which commemorates the giving of the New

* From the Latin mandatum novarum which means “new commandment” (John 13.34)

Commandment and the Lord’s Supper prior to Christ’s Death (Mark 14.12-26; John 13).