Pause, reflect, renew

By Herman M. Lagon

On this Huwebes Santo, also known as Maundy Thursday, March 28, the dawn will bring a sense of renewal to all as it marks the beginning of the Paschal Triduum, the most solemn portion of Holy Week. This is more than only a chance to observe church rituals; it is a precious opportunity for everyone to pause, rest, think, feel refreshed, and become closer to one another.

The Lent that Christians observe means repentance and spiritual rebirth. As the events surrounding Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection draw to a close we take a moment to reflect on the meaning of this holy season. The Passion Week is a universal call to prayer, reflection, remorse for wrongdoing, discernment, and a time to resolve to make our world heaven on Earth.

During Semana Santa, our nation celebrates its rich cultural legacy and strong religious traditions, known for its power to refresh and revitalize. Pope Francis, the first Jesuit vicar, urges us to have an open mind, be friendly, and be willing to speak things out. One of the main challenges this week is to try to always act according to Jesus’ teachings. This means no room for religious fanaticism, hypocrisy, prejudice, and self-righteousness in a world where kindness, openness, inclusivity, and social justice thrive.

The Pope and many of our significant others has been remindin us that every human deserves dignity and respect. Hene, we are invited today to reflect on the plight of those around us, particularly in this nation where the gap between oppressors and oppressed, the wealthy and the poor, is so scandalously wide. Taking action to help those in need today exemplifies the love that Jesus and His desciples preached.

This week is a sobering reminder that our beautiful world faces serious problems and needs our attention. In doing so, it calls on us to cultivate our communities and our own social and personal development while embracing habits that are good for the environment.

During Holy Week, we also remember that we are unique individuals who belong to a greater whole. Our country is an ideal setting to demonstrate diversity through unity due to its many different persuasions and cultures. When we come together and discuss our many customs and beliefs, it reminds us that we are all human.

Holy Week is also a time to reflect on and work toward social justice and sustainable peace. By telling the narrative of Jesus’ suffering, we are encouraged to speak out for causes such as equitable treatment of workers and the excluded, justice for marginalized communities. This week, we take action to create a fairer and more peaceful society rather than only contemplating our views.

During Holy Week, our loved ones are the center of our universe. Now is the perfect moment to stand by each other and deepen these connections. Sharing meals, making an effort to serve others, having genuine discussions, and helping in our communities are all actions that genuinely capture the essence of this week.

The Passion provides an opportunity for personal growth and the ability to make a positive impact by following the teachings of The One who saved us. Give and receive love, rejoice in our differences, and strive for a more just and equitable world; these are the season’s spirit. Holy Week is a time to contemplate on what is true, right, good, grace-filled, and beautiful and strive for a more compassionate world.

So, let us use this year’s Holy Week as an opportunity to pause, reflect, renew, and pay things forward. During this season of contemplation and grace, we recommit ourselves to the shared principles of love, sacrifice, redemption, compassion, and renewal. This is a chance for everyone to make a difference in creating a more optimistic and hopeful society that draws people closer to their values and unites them in facing critical issues.

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Doc H fondly describes himself as a ‘student of and for life’ who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and why-driven world that is grounded in social justice and the pursuit of happiness. His views herewith do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions he is employed or connected with.