While living in a predominately catholic country, I haven't noticed many differences until our recent Easter holiday.
First of all, I have never gotten Maundy Thursday off of school, and not even sure if I've ever heard the official name for it. But I was excited about having an extra day off from school.
People had warned me that everything shut down on Thursday and Friday and that there was no one on the roads on Saturday. They weren't lying...my friend Kelli and I ventured out on Thursday afternoon to see if we could find a McDonalds or something open to eat. It was like driving through a ghost town (not literally, there were still people, but compared to the normal Manila traffic it was unbelievable). Then later than night we went out to see the "Ortigas blitz" which is when people from all over Manila walk literally miles on the main road to the big Catholic church, Antipolo Church, on top of the hill. There were thousands of people crowding the streets just walking, and the farther along you go the more you see processions that include devotees who self-flagellate and sometimes even have themselves nailed to crosses as expressions of penance, in fulfillment of a vow, or in thanksgiving for a granted request.
After three o'clock in the afternoon (the time Jesus is traditionally believed to have died), all noise and merrymaking is discouraged and the faithful are urged to keep a solemn and prayerful disposition. The city becomes so quiet, where I would normally hear karaoke and talking there was nothing.
Holy Saturday known locally as "Black Saturday", has the traditional silence and solemnity from the previous day spill over. Some parishes will even have a presentation where Judas hangs himself because of his treachery towards Jesus.
The death of Christ was important, but it was so important because of what happened three days later. He conquered death and rose again! It is because of this that we have been given an opportunity to live eternally. I was shocked at the sadness this weekend in Manila...He is no longer dead, He has risen and lives today.
This Easter I have been touched by the humility in the death of Christ. He wasn't pretending to be fearless, but went to His heavenly father and asked "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will (Matt. 26:39b)."
I think Jesus' prayers in Gethasmane have challenged me to be completely honest with God and to serve with even more humility. I may not always love what I do every hour or even every day, but I pray that I can serve my Lord with humility and honesty. I know that He has always been with me, and His will is ultimately the best thing for me.
I pray that His will be done in my life.
I love this post. I was touched by some of the same things. Thanks for sharing what God's doing in your heart. Love and miss you.
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