Renewed spirit

THE Holy Week is a very spiritual and significant time for the predominantly Catholic population. The days making up this week hold a deep meaning for Filipinos because Lenten season comes to an end in the last week of Jesus’ life—traditionally called Holy Week. During this time, the important events of His finals days on Earth are revisited.
The passion, sacrifices and suffering for The Holy Week culminate on Easter Sunday, drawing excitement and drumming up causes for celebration.  It would serve us well to make the merrymaking more meaningful by taking a minute to think about why we have Easter Sunday to look forward to. It is the most joyous and festive time in the Christian calendar because it commemorates the Resurrection of the crucified Christ from the dead.
Pope Francis reminded the Church’s followers that this holy season is a “time of renewal for the whole Church, for each community and every believer.”
“Above all it is a ‘time of grace’ (2 Cor 6:2). God does not ask of us anything that He himself has not first given us. ‘We love because He first has loved us’ (1 Jn 4:19). He is not aloof from us,” he said.
According to Pope Francis, each person has a place in God’s heart given that “He knows us by name, He cares for us, and He seeks us out whenever we turn away from Him.”
In his homily on Sunday, March 29, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle said the passion and death of Jesus Christ spoke of an unwavering faith in God, and encouraged the Filipino faithful suit.
“Brothers and sisters, let us reflect. There are many problems happening in our personal life and in the society because we are not faithful to God. People are easy to change their faith and commitment if these are no longer popular or agreeable,” Tagle said.
This is the same message Pres. Benigno Aquino III would like to share among Filipinos. He is also urging the nation to reflect on Christ’s humility and selfless sacrifice this season.
Remembering these events is more than a history lesson. To many devout Catholics, the Holy Week is a chance to reflect upon the significant moments of Jesus Christ’s life through prayers.
A prayer reflects one’s earnest hopes and wishes. While religious in nature, a prayer is not meant to exclude the secular population. Holy Week is an event with good-natured intent: unity through reflective observance.
It is a gathering that calls Filipinos to pause for a prayer, to ask for guidance and protection. Some pray for good health and fortune, while others plead for deliverance. Some ask for a miracle, a few want to give thanks. Regardless of one’s desire behind his/her reflections, this week is all about attesting one’s faith.
A prayer’s manifestation, however, will not depend solely on divine intervention. Its answer will depend on how every Filipino will move past differences and iniquities to help guide the nation, and each other in the right direction.
At least for a week, Filipinos around the world must become one. In these days of reflection, Filipinos must realize that we aim for the same goal—to move forward from setbacks and create better lives for our kababayans.
(AJPress)