Why is Holy Wednesday also known as Spy Wednesday?

In accordance to Church liturgy and tradition, the observance of the Holy Week follows the last few days in the life of Jesus Christ.

Today, Holy Wednesday is also known as Spy Wednesday.

Fr. Ramon Echica, Dean of Studies of the Faculty of Theology of San Carlos Seminary in Cebu, explained that "Spy Wednesday recalls the time when Judas went to the chief priests in order to betray him. The relevant passage is, 'Then Judas Iscariot , who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them (Mark 14:10).'"

He said the objective of recalling important events in the life of Jesus Christ is so people would be able to understand these episodes.

"First, I am not sure if there is any other reason aside from the fact that it is crucial to understand the events that led to his death. I personally believe that while we Christians affirm that Jesus' life and death brought us salvation, we also need to understand the historical conflicts that led to his death," Echica told GMA News Online.

"I can only say that Jesus was a courageous prophet betrayed by his disciples. Maybe, the lesson here is that we tend to be uncomfortable with the presence and message of prophets," he added.

The Catholic Church commemorates the Paschal Triduum, which begins on the evening of Maundy Thursday and ends with the evening prayer of Easter Sunday.

On Maundy Thursday, the church services center on the Washing of the Feet and the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the disciples.

Good Friday is the commemoration of the crucifixion and death of Jesus on the cross.

Black Saturday is the vigil of Easter, and Easter Sunday is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. — BAP/KG, GMA News