Holy Week is coming and many Christians are excited to celebrate Easter, a happy and festive celebration that commemorates the rising of Jesus Christ from the dead. This year's Holy Week fall on April 9 (Palm Sunday) to April 16 (Easter Sunday). 

Even though Easter Sunday is a valuable part of the Holy week, the days before it are equally important. There are many activities that are being prepared by different churches for the duration of the Holy Week. There will be masses, church services, and prayer gatherings. There will likewise be "washing of the feet" on Maundy Thursday, as well as "veneration of the cross" and "seven last words" mass on Good Friday.

Speaking of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, these two days include momentous events in Jesus' journey to the cross.

The last supper was a significant part of Jesus' journey. It was the night when He shared bread and wine with His disciples for the last time. It was also the same night when one of his friends (Judas Iscariot) betrayed Him for a few pieces of silver.

On the day after, which is now commemorated as the Good Friday, Jesus was nailed to the cross and died.

Meditating on His seven last words could help in appreciating what Jesus did for the salvation of Christians. These are the seven last phrases that He said:

1) "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." (Luke 23:34)

Jesus teaches Christians to forgive others.

2) "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:43)

Jesus reaffirms the promise of salvation to someone who was willing to repent and turn away from his sins.

3) "Woman, behold your son. Son, behold your mother." (John 19:26–27)

Jesus shows the value of family and friends. He was speaking to His mother Mary and His beloved disciple, John.

4) "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34)

Jesus felt forgotten and distressed, which showed His weakness as a man.

5) "I thirst." (John 19:28)

Jesus was given sour wine but He refused. He was thirsting for something more than water or wine.

6) "It is finished." (John 19:30)

Jesus declared victory in His mission to save mankind.

7) "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit." (Luke 23:46)

Jesus finally entrusted everything to His father.

This Holy Week, it is good to remember that Jesus had to go through the darkest part of His human life before He came out victorious in the end. It is the same in the Christian life, there will be a lot of sacrifices and sufferings before someone can take the prize of salvation and eternal life.