The Holiest of Weeks: An act of Selfless Love

Illustration by Jholo Louise Baybayon

Excitement can be seen in some students’ eyes as the holy week slowly arrives because it only means one thing, a short vacation and escape from school work. Some also see this as an opportunity to finish all their pending works while some already prepared their bags to go home and visit their loved ones or provinces.

Holy week is also the time where lenten specials or movies about the life of Jesus Christ can be watched in different channels. Sometimes, we would rather watch on netflix or youtube than to open our tv because those movies were always played during this season repeatedly. But the best thing about this season for some people is that they can get some sleep and enjoy themselves. However, do we really know what holy week is? Is it only about the death of Jesus Christ or there is more to know other than that?

The week begins on Palm Sunday, which commemorates Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where he was greeted by crowds waving palm branches. On this day, people go to church and attend mass to get their palm leaves blessed. This event is followed by Maundy Thursday, the remembrance of Last Supper, where Jesus shared a final meal with his disciples and instituted the sacrament of communion.

Good Friday is perhaps the most solemn day of Holy Week, as it marks the day of Jesus' crucifixion. Many churches hold solemn services, with readings from the Gospels, hymns of lament, and the veneration of the cross. The despair this day brings is replaced by the joy of Easter Sunday. This is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, as it represents the triumph of life over death, love over hate, and hope over despair. Commonly, this day starts with an early mass and egg hunts.

But Holy Week is more than just a series of religious observances. It is a time for believers to deepen their faith, to reflect on the meaning of the Gospel message, and to renew their commitment to following Jesus' example of love, compassion, and service. It is a time for us to remember that once in our life, there is someone who is willing to die just to save us.

This week is also a good time to connect with our loved ones and spend time with them because after all, this season is also a season of love. A love of a Father to his children. As we do our own things this Holy Week, may we also be reminded to keep this week solemn and thank Him for his unending love and grace for everyone.