Learn about unique ways to integrate this holiday into your life. Explore the following article to include the Lord in this special day and week.
"Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the Lord. “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word." Isaiah 66:2
In Holy Week, we remember the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus, but we also reflect on our own journey of Faith and how we can improve as human beings. It is an opportunity to renew our commitment to God and to reconcile with those we have hurt or offended.
One of the most representative symbols of Holy Week are the processions, which this year could be virtual. It is an opportunity to contemplate the religious images, to meditate on the meaning of the Passion of Christ and to unite in prayer and reflection.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16-17
Another activity we can do as a family is to read the Bible together, especially the passages that talk about the Passion and Death of Jesus. This will help us to better understand the meaning of Holy Week and to connect with our Faith in a deeper way.
We can also make offerings and sacrifices in honor of Jesus. This does not mean that we have to make big sacrifices, but we can offer small gestures of love and solidarity towards others. We can make a donation to a charity, help someone in need or simply offer a word of encouragement to those around us.
"Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams." 1 Samuel 15:22
Holy Week is a time of reflection and spiritual renewal, a time to remember the sacrifice of Jesus and to reaffirm our faith in God. It is important that in these times of health and social crisis in which we find ourselves, we find a way to celebrate Holy Week in a meaningful and authentic way that allows us to connect with our Heavenly Father and our loved ones.
Faith gives us the strength to face life's challenges and to find hope in the midst of adversity. During Holy Week, we remember God's unconditional love for his sons and daughters, and the victory of life over death.
This gives us the certainty that, in spite of difficulties, there is always a light at the end of the road and a reason to go forward.
"My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house." Matthew 26:18
The important thing is to share the Faith in family and community, and find a way to do it in these days of celebration and love for the Holy Spirit. We can organize a family dinner, prepare some symbols of Holy Week, decorate the home with religious images and prepare activities to share.
Remember that Holy Week is an opportunity to get closer to God, to renew our faith and to reflect on our journey as human beings.
We should celebrate it in a different way, it is important to find a way to do it in a meaningful and authentic way. May this Holy Week allow us to renew our commitment to God and to our fellow human beings, and may it give us the strength to face the challenges of life with hope and love.