“YOU are the masterpieces of God’s mercy.” This is what a priest said, in emphasis of God’s love for mankind. Is this the reason why we observe Holy Week? For indeed, masterpieces deserve a commemoration. In fact, every celebration of the Holy Mass, we are reminded of our salvation during consecration: “Do this, in memory of Me.”
The Masterpiece points us to the scriptural reading of John: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that we may not perish but have eternal life.” God’s mercy did not end at Calvary. Each time we are healed from a serious illness, God has a hand in it. Every time we recover from devastation, the mercy of God lifts us from desperation. A second chance opportunity is not an accident. These happen because God’s guiding hand was there.
At the beginning of the Lenten season, the church called the Catholic faithful to live in prayer, fasting and alms giving. What do we do then this time of the year? With all the nuances of the modern world, technology and the challenges of social media and the distractions, it is rather difficult to live a quiet life of serenity and meditation unless we go on retreat. How about watching a religious movie together at home?
Some Filipinos have their own take on the Holy Week. They view it as a chance to go to resorts, the beaches, water parks and other places where they can have some fun and enjoy their long break, especially this summer when kids expect some adventure on their vacation. I guess there is nothing wrong when we want to give the children a break. What adults can do therefore is to bring with them a meditation book like “The Imitation of Christ.” “Companion” or the Holy Bible, and allot an hour perhaps, when the family could reflect on some passages in the scriptures.
Spend some time in eco-friendly activities where the kids could help clean our surroundings while communing with nature. Or better still, you can de-clutter your kid’s closet and invite the children to visit depressed areas where they can distribute toys, clothes, and shoes your kids have outgrown.
Engage the kids to discover a simple recipe in your kitchen and cook a meal for our hungry brothers and sisters—informal settlers accommodated on sidewalks near the Cebu Cathedral and Basilica Minore del Santo Niño.
There are so many ways to reach out. Let us leave our comfort zones. As masterpieces, let us enter the gallery of God where mercy is in abundance.