Beliefs And Love In Diversity
Greetings and a blessed Holy Monday to each and everyone!
Today is Holy Monday and Holy Week started yesterday (Palm Sunday). Holy week is very significant holiday for us Catholics and Christians all through the whole world as we recall and celebrate the Passion of Jesus Christ which happened in Jerusalem to when He was killed.
Disclaimer:
I am not a very religious person and I do not go to church often, but I highly respect my faith and that is unwavering. This is also based on Catholic and Christian faith and not intended to disrespect any other beliefs. If you do not practice what is written below, please ignore, respect and go to the next post. Thank you very much.
I actually heard something today from someone mocking Holy Week, which I found a little bit off. Who are we to deem whose religion is the correct form of worship, praise and prayer? It's all in how we are taught - love for yourself, love for others and love for God (as what Jesus taught us). It's how in how we are raised and ultimately what we choose.
I take other beliefs with a grain of salt and accept them graciously and without judgement as long as what they preach is about harmony, unity, respect, love and peace. Those religious traditions that involve racism, narcissism, hatred, killing of humans is a big "NO" for me.
My parents are both Catholic and I was born and raised that way. I grew up attending the Holy Eucharist every Sunday with my mother and grandmother and even joined Parish Church' choir and Parish Youth Organization when I was a little younger. I have attended every Church Holidays including Christmas (the birth of Jesus) and Holy Week (the most important holiday for Catholics).
I still remember when I was kid, my grandparents used to recite the Reading Of The Passion (Pabasa Ng Pasyon in tagalog). This is a narrative book in epic poems narrating the life, passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. During my childhood, you wouldn't t hear anything on the radio the whole Holy Week except the Pasyon. No Tv signals. No people roaming around, travelling having fun. Everyone is in their own home which you don't see nowadays.
My grandmothers on both sides also used to make Biko (rice cake) on Good Friday and oil from coconut and have it blessed by a priest. We use this blessed oil to cure ailments and mild illnesses.
How Do We (Catholics And Some Christians) Celebrate Holy Week?
There are actually four exceptional services in honor of Jesus Christ's Passion from His entry into Jerusalem:
When palm branches were put in His way
His capture on Maundy Thursday
His Crucifixion on Good Friday
His body laid in the tomb on Black Saturday
Summary of The Holy Week
Palm Sunday - commemoration of Jesus Christ's entry into Jerusalem
Holy Monday - the second day of Jesus in Jerusalem where he did something miraculous and have cleared the temple and continued His teachings including of telling His disciples that He would be crucified in the next two days.
Holy Wednesday - Jesus was anointed with oil and censured Judas for reprimanding the one who blessed him. Judas met with the priests that evening and consented to betray Jesus.
Maundy Thursday - Jesus held the Last Supper with His disciples.
Good Friday - Jesus was sent to Pilate and King Herod and was Jesus was crucified and buried.
Black Saturday - Jesus was laid on the tomb.
Easter Sunday - Jesus has risen from the dead.
One more thing, Philippines is very religious country and most Filipinos are involved offline with family or their church functions etc. It also follows a lot of long time traditions that many may find bizarre and even disturbing for some cultures like crucifying themselves imitating the Passion of Jesus. Although I have not seen one in person yet, but would be very interested to witness it.
That's how we practice Holy Week. If you choose not to, all good. But for those who do, please respect them. It's their belief and spiritual way. We all have our ways.
I do pray. I am slowly giving up some things I truly enjoy because I am thankful for what is given to me. It is also one of the ways of me giving back to God. It's such a small sacrifice. In my opinion, God is love. He is in our hearts and not in some churches nor temples. He resides within us, if we allow so. And in God's perspective, we are all the same.
The issues have emerged when people don't accept different perspectives and accept that theirs is the genuine one. Resistance must be obliterated forcibly because what is correct should be the only choice.
Do you feel that people are jamming their beliefs down your throat?
Good afternoon once again, beautiful souls. For us who celebrate Holy Week, let's do something meaningful. Do some random act of kindness, spend time with family and love ones, offer some help and lend a hand for those who need it most and above all, stay grateful. Everything we do good is an expression of love and appreciation to Jesus who offered Hid life for our sins.
One love,
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April 11, 2022
4:00 pm PST
In between the farm and the beach
Philippines
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I definitely agree with you .. I was once an altar server (sacristan) for 10 years and I devoted myself with God and the church...but when I started working, I left life serving God and I am no longer attending mass...I know this is a mistake but even if I have lapses, I always put God first in mind. And never forget to communicate with Him everyday, still continue to let Him feel that I still need Him no matter what...it is just a matter of how you really think God, love Him and thank Him for every little and big blessing😊😊😊