Start Holy Week right
“God is watching us from a distance.” This cannot be set aside when equated with one's spirituality. You know that kind of feeling when we behave because our parents are there observing our every action? However, it is quite different when we are made aware that there is a loving God who, in his compassionate heart, makes us feel His presence.
Today is the beginning of Holy Week when millions of Catholics observe the traditional observance of the passion of Jesus Christ. Traditional in a sense that in the rural areas, we will find Filipinos flagellate in atonement of sins. In urban areas, some flock to the church or religious parks for the Via Cruxes or Way of the Cross. Others abstain from things that bring them comfort. A fraction of the Catholic faithful go on retreat while others prefer to stay at home and have a quiet time in meditation.
A sabbatical from electronic gadgets will be the best way to start the Holy Week. Laptops, tablets and similar gadgets tend to distract us from contemplative mode on the passion of Jesus Christ.
Christ's passion is not just the 14 Stations of the Cross but it is more His “passion” to save mankind from the bondage of sin. To meditate on God's promise, John 3:16 states: “For God so loved the world that He sent His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Is it possible for our “kababayan” to meditate in beach resorts while enjoying the tourist attractions bereft of abstinence called for by the Church hierarchy? Yes, when we go to these places with a different perspective.
The melodic chirping of the birds should prompt us to recognize God's creation and acknowledge that it is still a wonderful world. Be mindful of the little effort of the butterflies to sustain ecology. The school of fish within the mangroves and in the coral reefs promises an abundance of marine resources. With eyes closed, listen to the rhythmic sound of the waves and feel the warm sand on your backs and silently say “thank you, Lord.” While lying on the beach, allow the sea waters to touch your feet and recognize God as the “Living Water.”
What I am trying to point out here is that we could be in the middle of a noisy crowd but still remain steadfast in our belief of an awesome God. This Holy Week, let us heed God's invitation to enter our hearts.