By Atty. Roland Collado
CAGAYAN DE ORO — This week is a time of reflection for Christians like us to memorialize Jesus’ crucifixion—and to prepare our hearts, minds, and souls.
I come from a God-fearing family where I grew up embracing Christian way of life. And so, we are gathered at this time of the year to reflect Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for humanity.
Holy Week is a time in which we gather as a family to remember and participate in the Passion of Jesus Christ.
The Passion was the final period of Christ’s life in Jerusalem, which spans from when He arrived in Jerusalem, to when He was crucified.
Our insignificant pains (like not using of phone or not eating for a few hours) can’t be compared to the sufferings of Jesus Christ.
We should not despair in fasting and praying, for on Easter Sunday, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Savior, on earth.
Holy Week, in the Christian church, is a time to observe with special solemnity, of devotion to the Passion of Jesus Christ.
In the Greek and Roman liturgical books, it is called the Great Week because great deeds were done by God during this week.
That being said, what is the basis of the Holy Week?
It starts with Palm Sunday when Jesus enters the city of Jerusalem. The week leads through the Last Supper, His crucifixion, and ends on Easter Sunday with His resurrection. This is the basis of Christianity, His sacrifice launched the New Covenant God promised and many had prophesied throughout the Old Testament.
Holy Week therefore is the most sacred time in the Christian calendar, marking Jesus’ final days on earth and his ultimate sacrifice for humanity.
As Christians, we have strong religious traditions and Holy Week (or Semana Santa) is a significant and solemn occasion to ponder upon.
It is a time for reflection and penance in remembrance of Christ’s passion, suffering and death.
Have a prayerful week end these Holy days.
Let us therefore set aside — even for a while — those hot days of campaigning, regardless of what side of the fence we belong.
Holy Week therefore is a time for self-examination, repentance, and forgiveness.
It is a time to recognize our flaws and shortcomings and seek to improve ourselves through prayer and reflection.
Additionally, it is an opportunity to seek forgiveness from those we may have wronged and to forgive those who have wronged us. Amen.
