It’s unprecedented, but it’s finally nearing. And unfortunately, Holy Week 2020 falls under the time of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). What would usually be a week of travel and church visits for many in the Philippines have been turned into a stay-at-home ordeal. Nevertheless, there are plenty of activities to keep one occupied despite the community quarantine.
Here are the top five things to do this quarantined Holy Week.
Abstinence from meat. Abstinence from eating meat is the old tradition of the early Christians during Holy Week. In lieu of eating meat, they eat vegetables and fish to share and feel the sacrifices of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Calvary.
Nowadays, some of the Christians believe that doing the right things is also a kind of abstinence not only that abstinence from meat but a time for the whole world to pray. In connection to this, not eating meat will give us a healthy diet and will uplift our spiritual side.
Fasting & Prayer. Fasting and prayer has been done since biblical times. It is fundamentally used in order to pivot attention and thoughts on the Lord. Fasting and prayer would help strengthen intimacy with God, build faith and help heed to his call for repentance. Many would do fasting while reading the bible since it helps to continuously be in the momentum of observing Holy Week.
Bible reading. Bible reading is a way of meditating in God’s words. It gives comfort and assurance to get to know the Lord deeper, as he reveals himself as you meditate upon His words. that will help to know our mistakes and shortcomings as a Christian.
Watching movies about the life of Christ. Watching movies about the life of Christ gives us a reflection on all of the pain and suffering He has gone through just to save humanity from falling short from His glory. This is a big help to recall the suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ. This will serve us also as a reminder of what He did for us to save us in our sins.
Self-inventory and self-introspection. Holy Week celebration is a time of intensified self-introspection and inventory. These practices are part of Christian life year-round but giving much attention during the Lenten season.
This practice is the most appropriate way to engage and find time to have a checklist of our deeds, like spiritual house cleaning, taking inventory and emptying oneself and discovering who you are in the sight of God. It is also time to acknowledge one’s mistakes and make it correct this time.
Holy Week is a time when we should reflect, remember and strengthen our faith and relationship with Jesus Christ. This is the time to pray for our loved ones. Time to give thanks to the Lord and refresh our faith by doing good this coming holy week. Stay home, stay safe and God bless.
Story by Faith Angeline Ongaria and Kobe Andre Ho
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