First published in Daily Tribune under Anthony Vivero's Vibes and Vision dated April 6, 2009.
Yes, it is vacation time, but the reason for this holiday is the observance of the Passion of Christ. There are so many things to contemplate, but many choose to spend it the way they want it — selfishly — and eventually lose the true meaning of the season.
Let us focus on the Seven Last Words of Jesus Christ. In connection with these words, let us do something spiritual in nature, wherever you may be, and let us all have a meaningful Holy Week.
HOLY MONDAY
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
Imagine Christ asking for His Father’s forgiveness for the very same people who crucified Him, leading to His death. Focus on that scenario and focus on yourself. How many people have wronged you in the past that up to this day you have not forgiven and forgotten?
“I am just a man and not God.” Many angry people would say that forgiveness is solely God’s prerogative. What if God would not forgive your sins and misdeeds? Would you like it that way?
So, this Monday, especially when you are in your home provinces, take the opportunity to forgive those who have wronged you. Take the first move for reconciliation. You must start forgiving the people who wronged you, just as you want your misdeeds be forgiven by Christ.
Modern way of abstinence: Resist from watching television or listening to the radio.
HOLY TUESDAY
“This day thou shalt be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
This is a statement of assurance for those who humble themselves in front of the Lord. Knowing your sins and accepting the consequences of these misdeeds before asking God’s forgiveness is the proper way of talking to God. You must humbly state to the Lord how you have become righteous upon the realization of how wrong you were on committing these sins. Many people think they are so righteous and highly spiritual when they contribute to and participate in church or religious services and rituals. Unfortunately, it is just being like the other thief who only wants a miracle from God for his salvation without remorse. Know first thy sin and accept that it is wrong, like the good thief who humbled himself before God. This Tuesday, spend time for contemplation and prayer. Set a four-hour prayer with God; divide it into four sets of an hour each. If one can spend several hours in front of the computer, two hours in a movie and many more hours doing so many things, then it won’t be that hard to spend a little time to humble yourself in front of the Lord.
Modern way of abstinence: Read one or several books from the Bible.
HOLY WEDNESDAY or Spy Wednesday
“Woman, behold thy son, behold thy mother.” (John 19:26-27)
These are the word of a dying man, but the love and affection are intense, the selflessness undeniably felt. The desire to extend His life and work is there, but the circumstances forbid Him. The next best thing for Him to do under that situation is to entrust His mother to his dear friend.
Don’t wait for that moment when time is at its end. Spend time with your parents and children this Wednesday. Time will come when you really want to show and make them feel how much you love them, but the chances may be scarce and could even be difficult. Care for them and express it in the manner that they will understand, and do it this day.
Modern way of abstinence: Cook for your parents or your children.
MAUNDY THURSDAY
“I thirst.” (John 19:28)
We all know that God is thirsty, both for water and love of man. At that moment He made sure that everyone would take notice of His words. In these modern times, there are so many people who are not just thirsty and hungry for food, but for love and affection. Fasting today is good, and your extra food or cash allotted for the day can be given to those with less in life. This is one way of sharing to the thirsty and hungry. Thus, you have responded positively to Christ’s last words.
Modern way of abstinence: Fasting. Share a meal with the poor in your community.
GOOD FRIDAY
“My, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34; Matthew 27:46)
This is the moment when everything breaks loose, when everybody feels God is nowhere to be found. During times of trouble and ailment, we ask God, “Why us?” We feel that God has left and forsaken us. The truth is, He has a great plan for us, and it will all depend on our ability and capability. God knows Christ will deliver in spite of the pain and agony that He will endure. Always remember that God has a bigger and better plan for all of us.
Spend this Friday thanking God for everything that you have. Yes, including your ailment, sickness, problems, failures and all negative things that you endure. This is one way of telling you that you need God. Man is so easily carried away by success he forgets God. Now, pray to God, and thank Him. Be happy today that like Christ you have your own cross and you have God within these problems. Believe that in the end, God will deliver you from all suffering.
Modern way of abstinence: No electronic gadgets — no I-pod, MP3, mobile phones!
BLACK SATURDAY
“It is finished.” (John 19:30)
This is actually the time to rest and spend time in silence, alone, for at least three hours anytime of the day. This is the time to listen to God’s messages to you. The messages may come in several ways, but for sure it will come. Many ask, “What’s the best time to pray?” It is debatable, but based on my experience, the best time to communicate with God is at 3 o’clock in the morning. Mystical time or not, for sure it is the time when everyone is asleep, and whoever is awake will feel and hear things that is not present during other hours.
Modern way of abstinence: Pray at 3 a.m.
EASTER SUNDAY
“Father unto thy hand I commend my spirit.” (Luke 23:46)
The safest place is home. Our comfort zone is the place of our father. When you are home, you feel the luxury of everything just by being with your true parents and loved ones. Rejoice if you are in your home with the people who are dear to you. But above all, you must feel fulfilled if you know that you are home with God. After all, Christ suffered and died for us. All we have to do is follow Christ’s way and the teaching: Love one another.
Give small tokens of gifts today to the ones you love like Christmas time, when you give gifts to show love. Isn’t the Resurrection from death the best time to share love as Christ did?
Modern Way of Abstinence: Give gifts or tokens to your loved ones.
The Holy Week is not just a vacation for our physical self, but a retreat for our spiritual being. One must tap his hidden desire to change his life. Follow the simple way of expressing true love and get out of the complicated things we do.
Please send comments and suggestions to anthonyvivero@yahoo.com and anthonyvivero@hotmail.com.
