The 40-day Lenten season, a profound and significant period among Christians worldwide, holds a weight of importance that transcends time. The final week of the season, leading up to Easter Sunday, is a sacred time, a celebration of the Holy Week that commemorates the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
We celebrate the most important events during Holy Week, such as Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Black Saturday. These are all celebrations by devout Christians who reflect on Jesus's life and death.
Holy Week is a time of repentance, a concept that goes beyond mere sorrow for our sins. Repentance involves a profound change in our thinking, actions, and visions. It's a time to reflect on our lives, acknowledge our shortcomings, and make a conscious effort to change for the better. It's about turning away from our past mistakes and moving towards a more righteous path.
It's good to repent, as it gives the feeling of being a renewed personโsomeone complete and whole. What I have learned about repentance is the act of humility, acknowledging that I have sinned, and asking for forgiveness.
Renewal brings with it a courage that empowers us to face the world with selfless love and compassion. We extend our service to those in need without expecting anything in return. This selfless act makes us more Christ-like, embodying the true message of Lent.
We may live in today's world full of material aspirations and worldly ambitions. But it is good to ponder what is necessary in life and what is our true life purpose. It's not only material possessions; it is not just daily survival; it is through following the right path and what God has commanded us to do.
The season of Lent is not just about repentance, praying, and fasting. It's also the season of sacrifice. Like Jesus, He suffered the consequence of being upright and moral, and in the end, was sentenced to death. We can also sacrifice condemnation for being righteous. We can persevere in humiliation. We can endure persecution. However, in the end, what matters is the sense of righteousness we have chosen that leads to fulfillment in life.
We can compare the struggle of Jesus in today's modern world by becoming more courageous in speaking for ourselves. Jesus did righteousness even though he knew his life led Him to persecution. He never got scared of the people in authority. Like us, we can stand up for what we believe is right. We can be ourselves if we live a good life and sacrifice for the common good. We have our battle in life; like Jesus, we carry our cross daily. It is for us to take it or give up. To move forward or surrender. To follow or redirect.
ยฉ 2012 Del Cusay