Holy Monday is the Monday of Holy Week, the week leading up to the Easter celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, includes Holy Thursday and Good Friday, and culminates in Easter Sunday. Holy Monday falls between Palm Sunday and Holy Tuesday.
The Bible does not explicitly mention Holy Monday, but it does record some of the events that are commemorated on this day. The Gospel accounts record Jesus returning to Jerusalem after spending the night in Bethany following his triumphal entry on Palm Sunday (Matthew 21:1-11). On Monday morning, Jesus returned to the city and cursed the fig tree that had no fruit, cleansing the temple courts of merchants and money changers, and engaging in teaching and debates with the religious leaders who questioned his authority (Matthew 21:12-22; Mark 11:12-19; Luke 19:45-48).
The fig tree that Jesus curses serves as a metaphor for the spiritual deadness of Jerusalem and its religious leaders. The cleansing of the temple signifies Jesus’ desire to purify the worship of God’s people and refocus them from empty ritual to sincere devotion. Jesus’ debates with the chief priests, scribes and elders foreshadow the growing tension between Jesus and the religious establishment that will ultimately lead to his crucifixion later that week.
The events of Holy Monday demonstrate Jesus’ messianic authority over the temple, his righteous anger at exploitation of the people, and his wisdom in responding to his critics. Jesus is portrayed as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah, while also pointing forward to his imminent suffering and death.
Some key themes and meanings associated with Holy Monday include:
Repentance – The withered fig tree and temple cleansing call God’s people to repent and reorder their priorities. Jesus wants wholehearted devotion, not empty religion.
Judgment – Jesus’ actions pronounce judgment on faithlessness and corruption. There are consequences for rejecting Jesus and his message.
Messianic authority – Jesus asserts his authority over the temple and his identity as the Messiah. His actions fulfill Malachi’s prophecy about the Lord coming suddenly to his temple (Malachi 3:1).
Controversy with religious leaders – Jesus’ debates foreshadow the growing tension between him and the religious establishment. This will ultimately lead to his trial and crucifixion.
Prefiguring of death and resurrection – The fig tree parable hints at Jesus’ death, while the temple cleansing points to the promise of new life through his resurrection.
Focus on the temple – Jesus is focused on the right worship of God. His ministry and message are centered around proper understanding of God and obedience to him.
Throughout church history, Holy Monday has been a time to reflect on the themes and spiritual meanings of Jesus’ words and actions on this day:
Repentance and Renewal
Holy Monday is traditionally a time for Christians to reflect on Jesus’ call to repentance. His cursing of the fig tree and cleansing of the temple remind us that he desires wholehearted devotion and is intent on setting right all that is wrong. Holy Monday calls us to inspect our own hearts, repent of fruitlessness, hypocrisy and distractions, and be renewed in love for God.
Rejection of Worldly Values/Goods
Jesus’ demonstration at the temple highlights his displeasure at worldly commerce infiltrating worship. Holy Monday prompts us to consider and reject the ways greed, exploitation and institutional corruption can twist faith. We remember that Jesus demands purity of heart, not performance of rituals.
Messianic Authority
The events of Holy Monday point to Jesus’ true identity and mission as the Messiah. Though he was rejected by religious leaders, Jesus demonstrated his authority in fulfillment of prophecy. Holy Monday is a day to marvel at Christ’s lordship.
Foreshadowing the Cross
Jesus’ actions on Holy Monday carry a somber tone, foreshadowing his suffering and death. The fig tree parable hints at his imminent death, while the temple confrontation highlights the mounting opposition to Jesus. Holy Monday marks the beginning of the end.
Cost of Discipleship
Jesus’ rebukes and harsh words on Holy Monday remind followers that there is a cost to discipleship. The values of God’s kingdom are often at odds with the values of the world. As we walk with Christ, we must be prepared to make hard choices and undergo trials.
In the Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Anglican traditions, Holy Monday is traditionally a day of rest and simplicity in preparation for the sacrifices and journey ahead in Holy Week. There are no liturgies or special services prescribed, though some churches may hold vespers services focused on the teachings of Jesus that day.
Many churches remove all decorations from the altar and worship space following Palm Sunday services, leaving the sanctuary bare and stark in commemoration of Jesus cleansing the temple. Some drape the crosses, statues and pulpit in dark purple cloth, a liturgical color associated with penitence and solemnity. The emptiness and simplicity of worship spaces during Holy Week is designed to mirror the pared-down time of reflection and self-denial.
Holy Monday serves as a pivot into the three most sacred days of Holy Week – the Triduum of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. It marks a shift in tone from the joyous celebration of Palm Sunday toward a posture of repentance, preparation and reverent awe. Jesus is no longer preaching to the crowds in the city, but demonstrating his conviction and authority in the temple. His actions foreshadow the suffering servant we will encounter in the days to come.
In the midst of busy lives, Holy Monday beckons Christians to pause, clear away distractions, and fix our eyes on Jesus. It calls us back to the heart of the gospel – the willingness of the Messiah to suffer and die for the sins of the world, and his power to make all things new. Holy Monday prepares us to walk with Jesus through betrayal, death and on to resurrection.
Though not a major celebration in the church calendar, Holy Monday serves an important liturgical role in Holy Week. It marks a transition in the narrative of Jesus’ last days. His triumphal entry on Palm Sunday gives way to a much more ominous tone anticipating his passion. Holy Monday reinforces key theological themes – Christ’s judgment on faithlessness, the cost of discipleship, rejection of worldliness, and events leading to the cross.
Observance of Holy Monday helps focus our hearts as we enter the sacred Triduum. The austerity and somber refocus of Holy Monday readies us to journey with Jesus through the devastation of death into liberating resurrection life. The day invites us to repentance and renewal as we walk in the steps of our Lord.
Holy Monday has been observed since at least the 4th century AD with references by early church fathers like Athanasius, John Chrysostom and Augustine. However, it did not become fixed on the Monday of Holy Week until standardized by Pope John XXII in the 14th century. Prior to that it was sometimes celebrated on the Wednesday before Easter. The day was marked by fasting and penance similar to its modern observances.
Its proximity to Holy (Maundy) Thursday resulted in the Monday of Holy Week becoming associated with preparations before Christ’s final Passover meal and arrest. The day mirrors Jesus’ own retreat to Bethany to prepare for the sacrifices and suffering ahead. Observance of Holy Monday was thus formalized in solidarity with Jesus in the days leading to his willing death for the sins of mankind.
So in summary, here are some key facts about Holy Monday:
– Falls on the Monday of Holy Week between Palm Sunday and Easter
– Commemorates events including Jesus cursing the fig tree, cleansing the temple, and debating religious leaders
– Marks a transition from the joy of Palm Sunday to a more somber tone in Holy Week
– Calls Christians to repentance, renewal, and focus on the journey ahead
– Observed with fasting, prayer, solemnity and simplicity in worship spaces
– Reminds us of Christ’s judgment, the cost of discipleship, and the cross foreshadowed
– Prepares our hearts to walk with Jesus through death to resurrection
– Established by 4th century, fixed on calendar by 14th century Papal decree
– Centuries of tradition reinforce Holy Monday as a sacred day of preparation and journing with Christ
Holy Monday is not just a historical remembrance, but an annual invitation to join Christ on the road to Calvary. Its stark simplicity contrasts the joy of Palm Sunday and turns our gaze toward the suffering servant. In observing Holy Monday, we clear distractions and focus our hearts, ready to walk with Jesus no matter the cost. Holy Monday calls us to repentance and renewal as we prepare to experience anew the wonder of resurrection.