Once again, we in the Christian world begin our yearly observance of the Holy Week. As we do so, it is fitting that we reflect on the significance of this occasion. What are some of the things that we need to remember, celebrate, and believe?
We remember that about two thousand years ago, somebody died for us because he loved us more than we can ever love ourselves. He did not commit any crime or sin, yet he was sentenced to die like a criminal or sinner. He faced an unjust trial, tortured mercilessly, and nailed on the cross. Up to his last breath, he thought of us, offering us something we do not deserve – forgiveness of sins, healing, renewal of life, and promise of eternal life in heaven. We remember Jesus, our Savior and Lord.
We celebrate our salvation. The Bible tells us that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins (Heb 9:22). Animals were sacrificed under the Old Testament law but it was impossible for their blood to wipe aways sins (Heb 10:4). Their sacrifice only foreshadowed the one and perfect sacrifice, and that is by the blood of Jesus Christ. Having died and risen from the dead, he opened the gates of heaven to everyone who believes in him. He now sits at the right hand of the Father as our mediator, and in his name, we will someday be given our unmerited admittance into our eternal dwelling place. When he forgave us, we did not need to flagellate ourselves or rely on our own goodness, for while we were still sinners Christ died for us (Rom 5:8). Now, let us celebrate that great love by responding also with love. Let us love God with all our heart, mind, and soul, and love our neighbors as we love ourselves (Mt 22:37-39). Let us value our great salvation by bearing fruits of righteousness, never licentious or complacent, lest we risk ourselves being cut off like the barren fig tree in one of the gospel parables (Lk 13:6-9).
We believe in these and other basic truths of our faith. We profess once again our belief in God who exists as the Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe that God, our Father, created heaven and earth. We believe in the conception of Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit; and the historical birth, life, and death of Jesus. We believe in Jesus’ descent into hell, his resurrection, and his ascension back to heaven. We believe that at an appointed time, Jesus will come again to judge the living and the dead. We believe in the Holy Spirit as the co-equal, consubstantial, and co-eternal third Person of the Trinity who proceeds from the Father and the Son – the Spirit who is the giver of life and the author of the Bible. We believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church; in the communion of saints, forgiveness of sins, and life everlasting.
This Holy Week and beyond, may our remembrance, celebration, and belief lead us more and more to God who gave it all for you and me. With the words of St. Paul, let us conclude our reflection: “He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else” (Rom 8:32)?