Holy Monday

Konstantin Flavitsky 001

Holy Monday is a day of religious significance in the Christian liturgical calendar. It marks the second day of Holy Week, which culminates in Easter Sunday, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. Holy Monday is observed after Palm Sunday and before Holy Tuesday, and it commemorates the anointing of Jesus by Mary of Bethany in the Gospel of John and the cursing of the fig tree in the Gospel of Matthew and Gospel of Mark.

Biblical Accounts

The events traditionally associated with Holy Monday are primarily drawn from two episodes in the New Testament. The first is the anointing of Jesus at Bethany, which is recounted in John 12:1-11. Here, Mary, the sister of Lazarus, anoints Jesus' feet with costly perfume as a sign of devotion, which Jesus interprets as preparation for his burial. This act of anointing is significant in the Christian tradition, symbolizing the recognition of Jesus' kingship and his impending sacrifice.

The second event is the cursing of the fig tree, described in Matthew 21:18-22 and Mark 11:12-14, 20-25. Jesus curses a fig tree for being barren, which is often interpreted as a metaphor for the spiritual barrenness of Israel and a warning to those who appear faithful without bearing the fruits of faith.

Liturgical Observances

In various Christian denominations, Holy Monday is observed with different rites and ceremonies. In the Roman Catholic Church, the day's liturgy does not specifically commemorate the events of Holy Monday but continues the focus on the passion of Christ. In contrast, the Eastern Orthodox Church and Byzantine Rite churches place a greater emphasis on the events of the day, particularly the anointing at Bethany, through hymns and scriptural readings.

Customs and Traditions

Customs associated with Holy Monday vary by region and denomination. In some traditions, the focus is on reflection and preparation for the coming passion of Jesus. Churches may hold special services or prayer meetings, and individuals may engage in personal reflection or fasting.

Significance

Holy Monday serves as a day of reflection on the themes of devotion and faithfulness, as exemplified by the anointing at Bethany, and a call to genuine faith and fruitfulness, as illustrated by the cursing of the fig tree. It sets the tone for the solemn observances of Holy Week, leading up to the joyous celebration of Easter.