What is Passion Sunday?

In the rhythm of the Christian year, few seasons carry the weight and depth of Lent, a time of preparation, reflection, and repentance leading to the triumph of Easter. Within this sacred journey, Passion Sunday holds a special place, particularly in the Anglican tradition. But what exactly is Passion Sunday, and why does it matter to Anglicans today?

A Historical Context

Passion Sunday traditionally refers to the fifth Sunday in Lent, a day that marks a shift in focus as the Church begins to turn its gaze more intently toward the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. Historically, it was distinguished from Palm Sunday (the sixth Sunday in Lent), which begins Holy Week with Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Passion Sunday, by contrast, sets the stage for the Passion narrative; the story of Christ’s betrayal, trial, crucifixion, and ultimate sacrifice. Learn more below.

The Liturgical Shift

The fifth Sunday in Lent serves as a hinge between the earlier weeks of penitence and the intense drama of Holy Week. The collects, readings, and hymns appointed for this day draw the congregation into the Passion story.

In many Anglican parishes, Passion Sunday also marks a practical shift in worship. The mood becomes more austere: crosses may be veiled (a practice inherited from medieval tradition), and the liturgy takes on a tone of solemn anticipation. These outward signs mirror the inward journey of the faithful, preparing hearts and minds for the events of Good Friday and the glory of Easter Sunday.

Theological Significance

Passion Sunday is not merely a historical commemoration but a theological encounter. It invites reflection on the mystery of the Incarnation; that God became man, suffered, and died for humanity’s sake. This doctrine of atonement lies at the heart of Passion Sunday’s observance, reminding Anglicans of the cost of their redemption.

Passion Sunday in Practice

Passion Sunday might look different depending on local custom. In a high-church setting, one might encounter the chanting of the Passion Gospel, perhaps from St. John’s account. Incense might fill the air, and the veiled cross could serve as a stark visual reminder of Christ’s hidden glory. In a low-church or evangelical Anglican context, the focus might shift to a sermon unpacking the meaning of Christ’s suffering, paired with hymns like “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” by Isaac Watts, a favorite across the Anglican spectrum.

Regardless of style, the day bridges the communal and the personal. It’s a moment when the Church, as the Body of Christ, unites in contemplation of the Head who gave himself for all. For many Anglicans, it’s also a time to renew Lenten disciplines such as prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, as the season nears its climax.

A Modern Relevance

In today’s world, where suffering and uncertainty abound, Passion Sunday resonates deeply. It offers us a framework to grapple with pain, both personal and global, through the lens of Christ’s Passion. The Anglican Communion, spanning diverse cultures and contexts, finds in this day a shared language of lament and hope. Whether in a cathedral in Canterbury or a mission church in Nairobi, the message remains: Christ’s suffering is not the end, but the path to victory.

Moreover, Passion Sunday challenges the individualism of modern life. In an age of self-reliance, it proclaims dependence on a Savior who bore the world’s sins. For Anglicans, shaped by a tradition of corporate worship and common prayer, this is a powerful counterpoint. It’s a day to stand together, to mourn together, and to look forward together to the empty tomb.

Conclusion

So, what is Passion Sunday? From an Anglican perspective, it is a sacred threshold; a moment when the Church steps deeper into the mystery of Christ’s love, revealed in his suffering and death. It is a day of shadows, yes, but shadows cast by the light of Easter dawn. It calls Anglicans to repentance, to worship, and to trust in the One who, by his one oblation of himself once offered, a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction, for the sins of the whole world.

As we mark Passion Sunday, let us walk this ancient path with open hearts, ready to receive anew the gift of Christ’s Passion, and the promise it holds for us all.