The month of April brings with it the Holy Week. Filipinos have long traditionally observed this period, not only as a means of physical and mental rejuvenation and recovery, but more importantly as a reflection on the passion, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ, which lie at the heart of the profession of faith in the entire Christendom.

During this time in my home town of Subic, Zambales, one usually gets a visual feast of the rich expressions of this faith – from the shirtless flagellants walking down the empty, sun-baked streets barefoot with heads covered in black cloths, to the candlelit prusisyon of rosary-praying faithful with the life-sized santos or statues of saints and biblical figures on brightly decorated carrozas providing a moving catechism on the life of Christ. In neighboring Pampanga, some even go to the extent of literally re-enacting Jesus’ crucifixion.

For Filipinos here in Hong Kong, the Holy Week is an opportunity to look inwards and get a sense of where our lives are at present. Our lives may be caught in the fascinating possibilities of spring, the frenetic excitement and heat of summer, or the gentle peace of twilight in autumn. Some of us may be going through heavy storms, buffeted by strong winds and roaring waves. Truly, each life is different, each journey one’s own, and we each have a cross to bear.

The Holy Week is a perfect encapsulation of the highs and lows of life. On Palm Sunday, Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem, but not a few days later, Maundy Thursday, he celebrated the Last Supper and was subsequently arrested. His darkest day was on Good Friday, when he was sentenced to death, beaten, crucified, and died on the Cross. Nevertheless, on Easter Sunday, he triumphantly rose from the dead and revealed the power of everlasting life over death.

His journey is a powerful, saving message to all of us. Through the darkest times, we can reach out to Him and have the courage to push on. We can draw strength from our faith to persevere and overcome the struggles of our “earthly exile.”

I pray that all of us take the time to reflect on our own lives, while showing kindness to others who may be going through difficult times. Knowing that sacrifice and pain are as much a part of human existence as happiness and pleasure, we can move forward with faith and determination when faced with similar challenges.

Nawa’y mabiyayaan po tayong higit ng Panginoon sa ating patuloy na pagpupurisigi at pananalangin para sa ating mga mahal sa buhay at sa ating Inangbayan. Maraming salamat po.