The Lenten season is one of the few things cherished by most Filipinos.
It is during this period that they take a long break and enjoy their vacation
from tedious work especially that this season falls right during summer. They
love to spend the holiday in beaches, resorts, and other pleasant places where
they invest time with their families, friends, relatives, and loved ones.
It is also during this season that some Catholics, tourists, and
observers throng in known places like Pampanga to witness the traditional
re-enactment of the passion of Christ. They enjoy seeing plays that portray the
suffering Savior represented by individuals who made a pre-arranged vow to be
beaten, whipped, hanged, and nailed on a tree/ cross. Other devotees visit
familiar places like Pangasinan to pay homage on what they believe to be of
sacred value. These practices, along with other rituals, were believed to be
observed to gain favor from Deity.
I don’t want to question the motives nor prejudge the intention of my
fellow Kababayans (Filipinos) who regularly observe certain rituals as
mentioned. I love my fellow Kababayans so I don’t want them to be deprived of
this opportunity to point out some valid reasons as to why certain practices
are being observed, thereby giving them a fair chance to evaluate some matters
and find a cordial middle ground where, in one way or another, truth may come
into sight.
Why certain rituals are observed?
Most rituals are generational in nature. They had been passed from
generation to generation, and things of these nature were believed to be good
and acceptable regardless of the source of its origin.
Leaders, priests, and elders who happened to be the spiritual figure of
the community can evoke strong influence to the people that every word they say
is considered true and acceptable.
People are comfort-oriented by nature. They love to stay in a familiar
tradition and what is conventional rather than try the new but unfamiliar one.
Truth is based solely on tradition and on what is customary.
In this regard, can we really blame the people for observing certain
rituals and practices considering that everybody does them anyway? Just because
everybody does certain things doesn’t necessarily mean that such practices are
right. We still need to make careful study based on what is really authentic
and true, so that people may truly be enlightened and released from the bondage
of wrong belief.
In the book of John, the scripture says, “If you abide in My word, you
are My disciples indeed, and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set
you free.” (John 8: 31(b) - 32)
The truth of the matter is that, the Lenten season should be the time
for us to ponder, meditate, and appreciate the goodness and love of God for
saving us all through the death and resurrection of His dear son, Jesus. It
really doesn’t matter whether you commemorate it at home or anywhere else you
want to, as long as you can internalize and capture the real essence and
meaning of the season, that we may now live a fruitful and abundant life by
surrendering our lives and allegiance to the only Savior, Jesus Christ, who
sacrificed His life because of His wonderful love for the whole of humanity.
There is actually no need for us to succumb ourselves to pain by
duplicating, imitating, and repeating what Christ did on the cross, believing
that by doing so, we can gain special favor from God. This is a blatant lie
considering that Jesus Christ has already offered the ultimate sacrifice for
the salvation of mankind and no other sinful human being can impersonate what Jesus
did, for He is the only Savior and Lord.
The book of John is clear when it says, “I (Jesus) am the way, the truth,
and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (Jn. 14: 6)
The time to gather our family and friends together to celebrate the season
is laudable and good, and we can do better than that by not forgetting the real
significance of the season and not just use the occasion for mere vacation, relaxation,
and worst, dwell on unfounded beliefs brought by tradition.
The time to visit sacred places and witness Lenten plays is quite admirable.
But why not consider doing a better option, by praising, worshiping, adoring, and
thanking the Man of the Season, no other than Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living
God!
Have a blessed Lenten Season!!
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