IT’S reflection time once again. Holy Week calls us to pause and evaluate our actions, spoken words and dealings. A covenant is not limited to our relationship with God. A covenant encompasses our relationship with our parents, siblings, spouses, friends and those within the community as well. In other words, our interactions with either person to person or in cyber space should be part of our Lenten season reflection.
What are the vital signs indicating that Holy Week is here? The mood changes altogether. Videoke machines are silent; the drinking spree around the street corner is replaced by the traditional reading of the old Bible otherwise known as “pabasa.” People tend to be more patient and forgiving. TV networks’ programming centers on films on religious themes specifically the journey of Jesus when He was among mankind.
As fasting and abstinence are being encouraged by the Church, we see fewer people in restaurants. Kitchens in households have fewer cooking activities as grandma or mother is spending more time at the church. Well, that is the ideal setting.
Unfortunately, since it is vacation time, people are tempted to venture into resorts and entertainment places. Mindful of this, the Church reminds the Catholic faithful of the solemnity of the Lenten season, that wherever we are, we should find a quiet spot and meditate. Yes, it is possible to do that as we commune with nature since reflection is from within and not totally dependent on outside influences.
Our reflection could bring us as way back as from the time of Palm Sunday that signaled the start of the Holy Week. Then we segue to the Last Supper. Let us not skip the kiss of Judas for many of us are guilty of being a traitor to Jesus several times in our lives.
As we get involved in “Via Crucis” or in the Way of the Cross, we can reflect on the personalities like Veronica who wiped the face of Jesus, Simon who helped Jesus carry the cross, the penitent thief and the Virgin Mary who never lost sight of her Son in the journey to Calvary. The friend of Jesus, John, reminds me of a friend who has been always there with me through thick and thin. We could try to relate to these personalities one way or the other.
Jesus’ journey was also ours. It was meant to be whether we like it or not for it has been prophesied... “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. Whoever believes in Him shall not perish but shall have eternal life.”