By Christina Hermoso
As Christendom begins the observance of the Holy Week, Ozamiz Archbishop Martin Jumoad continues to call on the public to follow and observe the safety measures being enforced by the government amid the corona virus disease (COVID-19) outbreak.
Ozamis Archbishop elect Martin Jumoad (Veritas/ MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
“The observance of Palm Sunday is an opportunity to reflect on the example of Jesus who responded with obedience to the will of God the Father. Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem was in accordance and in obedience to the will of God the
Father, where the faithful can find inspiration from, that is to be obedient in this time of crisis,” Jumoad said over Church-run Radio Veritas.
Christendom marked the first day of the Holy Week yesterday, Palm Sunday. With the cancellation of public masses, the faithful heard the Palm Sunday mass online and on television. The virtual blessing of palm fronds or any branch with leaves in the absence of palaspas was held.
Jumoad urged the faithful “to have a meaningful Holy Week through social media as the commemoration of the Lord’s resurrection on Easter Sunday nears. Let us be obedient to the will of God, to listen to our conscience, to reflect, and to do our share in reaching out to others,” he said.
Holy Monday is traditionally observed with the holding of the three-day “pabasa,” particularly in the provinces where it has remained a common Holy Week observance. This year, however, the religious custom might not be held because of the enhanced community quarantine which prohibits mass gatherings.
Also known as “pasyon” in reference to the Passion of Christ, the Gregorian chanting of the poetic prayer story on the life, passion, death, and resurrection of Christ, is traditionally led by the town elders who sing in shifts.
In the life of Jesus, Holy Monday narrates the story of the Anointing at Bethany, which focuses on Mary, the sister of Martha and the resurrected Lazarus. Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with costly perfume and wipes them with her hair.
Many of the Jews were also starting to affirm their faith in Jesus on seeing Lazarus whom He raised from the dead.