Our palms have been waved. Our hosannas have been sung. It is now Holy Week. In just a few days we will remember Jesus' last meal with his disciples and, the next day, will stand in the shadow of the cross.

It is Holy Week. We could pretend it is just like every other week. In many ways it is. Most of us still have to go to work, clean our homes, do the laundry, run the errands. But in the midst of all this ordinariness, it is Holy Week.

I've observed Holy Week in different ways over the years. Almost every year I have attended Maundy Thursday and / or Good Friday worship services. One year I fasted during Holy Week. One community where I lived we walked the Way of the Cross. Several of us from different churches took turns carrying the cross and reading Scripture as we walked together down Main St. I've also spent time during Holy Week reflecting on the Stations of the Cross. All of these things have helped me prepare for Easter in a meaningful way. It doesn't matter what you do so much as that you find something meaningful to you to help you reflect on Jesus' crucifixion in preparation for his Easter resurrection. How will you live this week differently because it is Holy Week?