Reflection on Good Friday
It is historical fact that Jesus was crucified. That he rose from the dead is based on the testimony of certain persons but there is no dramatic account of the dead and crucified Jesus stirring back to life. How did this death and seeming ignominious end begin a movement that continues to grow and change the way people of vastly different persuasions live?
It began with the example set by Jesus who proclaimed ‘Let your light shine before all’, more than a thousand years before the invention of the printing press. Jesus was sure that the singular example of his life was going to change the world. His example was not about words that would convince, inspire, motivate but rather about doing good in a visible way, ‘so that others, seeing your good works, may glorify your father in heaven’.
How could the message of his life-example change people in the Philippines, Nigeria, China, Korea, the US after 2000 years when there is not even a common language that unites all these people? Helder Camara is a Brazilian Bishop who instructs his catechists, ‘Sisters and brothers, watch how you live. Your lives may be the only gospel your neighbors will ever read.’
For the gospel of Jesus to spread, we are all called to witness every moment of our brief lives. To live in a way that our lives would not make sense if God did not exist.
13 comments:
It’s sad there are people who take this opportunity for the long vacation to go on outings, when this was the period of God’s suffering. There are various retreats being conducted during this period that would be more meaningful to spend the Holy Week.
Mr./Ms. Pian, what makes you think your religious beliefs are factual? That you are imposing it on others?
But it is a fact that this Holy Week is all about the commemoration of Christ’s Passion, Death and Resurrection. That’s not an imposition. That’s a fact.
It is a fact what the holy week is about. It is not a fact that you have to observe it, and be sad when others don't.
But it is a fact for me that I’m saddened there are those who don’t observe the real meaning, just like it’s a fact for you that you don’t observe its real meaning.
^^
The "real meaning" of Holy Week for you may not be the "real meaning" of Holy week for others. There are so many people in the world who don't even believe in the existence of God, let alone his "passion, death and resurrection." So observe it as do you and stop "feeling sad" about the way others choose to spend the week. It's not your "loss."
I don’t have to be sad? Then you’re the one imposing.
Isn't it ironic how people who want to influence others with their thoughts react when they are the ones being "preached" to.
Ironic, so you say. I’m just returning your accusation back to you, and you find that ironic? Maybe you’re the one who’s ironic.
My dear Pian,
Do not limit other peoples belief to yours.
I am a God fearing catholic but I am also respectful of what others think. Saying that " it's sad because people use this opportunity to go on long vacation", is tantamount to saying that you are absolutely right and they are wrong because you do not agree to what they do.Is there anything wrong about celebrating the occasion with your loved ones and friends?
I used to think just like you but living in a foreign land for many years has taught me to be more receptive to others.
Years ago, I was seeing a Jewish patient in New York. One day he tapped me on the shoulder and told me not to despair because I am a catholic. I angrily answered him that Jesus is also Jewish.
Looking back, I shouldn't have done that becasue that only validates his belief that Catholics are close minded people and that there is no other way to be with God but through my religion.
Who are we to judge what our neighbor does?
You need to grow up. The world does not stop at the Ninoy Aquino airport. There is a world out there that is entirely different from what your eyes can reach.
Just because you do not agree with anonymous does not necessarily mean that you are right.
Another Anonymous.
Anonymous accused me of imposing, when he/she imposes I shouldn’t be sad. Come to think of it, it’s the government who imposes, because it declared these as holidays. These days commemorate the passion and death of Jesus. And most people treat them as a simple get-together. It’s like how you would celebrate the death anniversary of a loved one, that it’s simply a chance to get together.
It is sad that people cannot admit that they are imposing when they are, indirectly or not. Yes I am imposing.
Feeling sad is not an imposition but a fact for me. Don’t impose then that I shouldn’t be sad because that’s how I feel.
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