Sinabi ng pinuno ng Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) na higit sa tradisyon, ang tunay na pagpapakabanal sa Semana Santa ay kapag ibinuhos mo ang pagmamahal sa pag-obserba nito.
Sinabi ni CBCP president Lingayen Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas na maaari itong isagawa sa pagbisita sa charity ward ng mga ospital o pagtulong sa mga kapus-palad.
“You must remember that this week is holy not because of the blood of Jesus Christ, this week is holy not because of the sacrifices we make, this week is holy because among all the days of the week, God has poured so much love into these days,” aniya sa panayam ng ANC.
Kaya’t ang hamon aniya sa mga debotong Katoliko ay ibuhos ang pagmamahal sa pag-obserba ng Semana Santa. At paano ito gagawin?
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“We make pilgrimage, we make visita iglesia, what can be done is you can go to seven charity wards of hospitals and visit the sick people there and bring them something to eat as we usually do during Christmas. That is a pilgrimage,” ani Villegas.
Sinabi ni Villegas na malinaw sa Bibliya na ang nais ng Diyos ay awa at hindi sakripisyo. “The Lord is pleased when we become merciful with our brothers and sisters,” aniya.
Nagpaalala rin si Villegas na hindi na kailangan ang pisikal na sakripisyo gaya ng paglalatigo sa sarili o pagpapako sa krus.
“It’s no longer necessary to shed blood because the shedding of blood is completely done by Jesus Christ for us. We don’t have to hurt ourselves anymore because we cannot add to the merit of Christ’s passion,” aniya.
“What we must do is to realize how much God loves me and in realizing how much God loves me, you become more loving with those around you. To be more patient with pains in the neck, to be more forgiving with annoying people. That’s the way to show your love for God,” dagdag ni Villegas.
Sa halip, ang mga nagsisisi sa kanilang mga kasalanan ay maaari na lamang tumulong sa mga maralita.
“In Scriptures we say almsgiving covers a multitude of sins. So, if you really want to atone for your sins help somebody in need. That’s the sure way to receive forgiveness for your sins,” ani Villegas.
Ngunit nilinaw niya na hindi naman nila hinuhusgahan ang mga naglalatigo sa sarili at nagpapapako sa krus tuwing Biyernes Santo. “At the end of the day the question to ask is, why are they doing this?”
Maging ang mga pumupunta sa beach sa Mahal na Araw ay hindi rin dapat na ipagpalagay kaagad na mga hindi banal.
“I won’t judge a family that goes to beach right away as being unholy. If the family has lived separately, have long weekend and they go out to beach to bond. The God I know tells me that when a family grow together in love and compassion God becomes happy. You can go to beach yes but don’t forget Christ,” ani Villegas.
“I’d rather that you bond with Christ in your midst than stay at home, keep a grudge against another or not mind another’s needs,” sabi pa niya. (LESLIE ANN G. AQUINO)
