“THE world today no longer counts on God. We count on money, arms, private armies, intimidation and connection, and if we continue to do these, it is very easy to lose mercy [for] our neighbors,” said Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle as he celebrated a Mass at the Manila Cathedral on Sunday, March 20.
In his sermon, Tagle encouraged Filipino faithfuls—who were clutching olive branches and braided palm fronds—during Palm Sunday to forego their dependence on money, forsake violence and be merciful to neighbors and enemies.
“How can we learn from Jesus’ mercy and compassion in a world without mercy and compassion?” Tagle asked. “This Holy Week, let us learn from Jesus Christ how we can bring back mercy and compassion to our world.”
The days making up this week hold a deep meaning to Filipino Catholics. Lent season comes to an end during the last week of Jesus’ life—traditionally called Holy Week. During this week, the important events of His finals days on Earth are revisited.
The life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ hold a fundamental place in the lives of most Filipino Catholics. It is central, not as an abstract belief, but rather as a medium of experience and tradition that provides continuity in life, a structure in the community, and principled purpose for existence.
These are the same lessons Manila Archbishop Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle shared to Catholics.
“Jesus was hurt but he chose to be silent and not to seek vengeance…He even begged God to forgive those who hurt him. Let us put our faith in God [so] we will have peace of mind and we will learn to love our enemies,” Tagle said.
Remembering these events is more than a history lesson. To many devout Catholics, the Holy Week is a chance to reenact the significant moments of Jesus Christ’s life. Pinoy Catholics reflect on the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ through prayers.
Some pray for good health and fortune, while others wish for deliverance. Some ask for a miracle, a few want to give thanks. Regardless of one’s desire behind his or her reflections, this week is all about attesting one’s faith.
Aside from prayers and sacrifices, Archbishop Socrates Villegas, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), said this Holy Week could be more meaningful if Filipinos perform acts of charity.
“If you want to truly make a good Holy Week love much. Love more. Give to the poor. Visit the jail. Visit hospital wards. “This pilgrimage to the poor will add to the holiness of our times,” Villegas said.
The archbishop added that what makes these days holy is not self-inflicted pain, not publicized pious devotion, and not daydreaming meditation.
“What makes this week holy is the immeasurable, unequaled love that Christ poured into these days,” he said.
The life and times of Jesus Christ leave us with a great example to emulate. We are called to live like saints, not to make a mark in the world through suffering or death—but to appeal similar honest lives. Saintly people live life the best way they can, to simply make a difference. (AJPress)
