In the Old Testament, the word covenant is used to express the special relationship between God and the people of Israel. Covenant relationships are rooted in mutual and freely made promises. The laws and worship practices in the Old Testament were signs of the special relationship. But during the Last Supper, Jesus establishes a New Covenant, one sealed with His blood, His very life.

Chapter 13 is the beginning of the second part of the Gospel of John, sometimes called the Book of Glory. Its central theme is how Jesus is glorified through his Passion, death, and Resurrection. It begins with Jesus’ washing the disciples’ feet at the Last Supper, before the Passover.

In John 12:24-26, Jesus is describing what we call the paschal mystery. It is the belief that God brings new life out of suffering and death. The first and ultimate expression of the paschal mystery is Jesus’ own death and Resurrection. God used Christ’s sacrifice to free us from the bonds of sin, and Christ’s Resurrection to open the path to new life. It is a mystery that no one can fully explain, but the Gospels and experience tells us it is so.

Matthew, chapters 8-9, describe ten miracles of Jesus intended as signs of the coming Reign of God. Most of Jesus’ miracles are healings, but some also show His power over demons and nature. The Gospel of Mark records the most miracles, twenty-one, and the Gospel of John, the least, eight.

Holy Week is a term that is still used, even with the renewal of the Triduum, and it refers to the week beginning with Palm Sunday and ending with Holy Saturday. It includes the last days of Lent.