Holy Week is the very heart of the Bible, according to a senior pastor of the Christian Revival Crusade Mission Global Outreach Fellowship (CMGO).

“Ito ang sentro ng pananampalataya ng mga Kristyano (This is the center of the faith of Christians),” Pastor Rizaldy Sotolombo said in an exclusive interview with the Manila Bulletin on Tuesday, March 26.

He said that, although there are different beliefs and cultures in the world, “what unifies us is the remembrance of the death of the Lord Jesus on the Cross of Calvary”.

Sotolombo said that all believers share the same aspiration, and foremost among these is for each one to receive forgiveness from the Lord.

“Ito ang isa sa pinakamahalaga sa pananampalataya ng Kristyano–ang Holy Week (This is one of the most important in the faith of Christians—the Holy Week),” he highlighted.

Sotolombo noted that Holy Week stands as a vibrant thread, weaving together the final moments of Jesus Christ's earthly journey.

From the jubilant cries of "Hosanna" on Palm Sunday to the triumphant proclamation of "He is risen" on Easter Sunday, this sacred timeline invites believers into a profound journey of reflection and renewal.

Palm Sunday: The Triumphal Entry

The week commences with Palm Sunday, commemorating Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The air is thick with anticipation as Jesus, mounted on a humble donkey, is hailed as king by throngs of adoring followers. They lay palm branches at his feet, symbolizing honor and victory. Yet, beneath the surface of celebration, lies the foreshadowing of the sacrifice to come.

Holy Monday: Inner Righteousness Revealed

As the week progresses, the tone shifts from celebration to solemn reflection. On Holy Monday, Jesus confronts a barren fig tree, a metaphor for spiritual fruitlessness. He cleanses the temple, driving out merchants and rebuking those who prioritize commerce over communion. In his actions, we are reminded of the call to cultivate inner righteousness, not merely outward appearances.

Holy Tuesday: The Power of Faith

Holy Tuesday finds Jesus engaged in profound teachings and parables, challenging the religious elite and imparting wisdom about the Kingdom of God. Amidst discussions of faith and fidelity, Jesus predicts his impending betrayal and the events that will transpire. His words resonate with timeless truths, reminding us of the power of faith to move mountains and the consequences of spiritual blindness.

Holy Wednesday: Peace Amidst the Storm

As the week progresses, emotions intensify, and the plot against Jesus deepens. Yet, during the chaos, Jesus stands as a symbol of peace and calmness. He continues to impart his teachings with unwavering determination, despite the looming threats against him. In the turbulence of life's challenges, we take comfort in the steadfast presence of our Savior, whose serene presence brings a sense of calmness that goes beyond comprehension.

Maundy Thursday: The Ultimate Act of Service

On Maundy Thursday, the narrative reaches its peak as Jesus shares a final meal with his disciples. In a profound display of humility, he washes their feet, modeling servant leadership and sacrificial love. As he breaks bread and shares the cup, he institutes the sacrament of communion, inviting us into intimate fellowship with him. Yet, even as he prepares to face betrayal and death, Jesus submits fully to the will of the Father, embodying the essence of obedience.

Good Friday: The Sacrifice of Love

On Good Friday, the air is heavy with the sound of nails piercing wood and the heartbreaking cries of a Savior suspended on a cross. As Jesus takes his final breaths, the earth itself seems to shudder, and the temple curtain tears, a poignant symbol of the bond being mended between God and humanity. In his passing, we discover redemption; in his selfless act of sacrifice, we uncover our path to salvation.

Holy Saturday: The Silence Before the Dawn

Holy Saturday envelops us in a mantle of silence as the world awaits the dawn of resurrection. Within the tomb's stillness, we reflect on the deep mystery of death and the hope of renewed life. Even as the Sabbath is honored and guards keep watch, a glimmer of hope dances in the shadows, hinting at the imminent arrival of the resurrection's light.

Resurrection Sunday: The Triumph of Life Over Death

At the break of dawn on Resurrection Sunday, the world is forever changed as the stone is rolled away and the tomb stands empty. Mary Magdalene and her companions encounter the risen Christ, and their grief transforms into exultant joy. In the radiant light of the resurrection, we find the fulfillment of God's promise and the assurance of eternal life.

A Journey of Faith and Transformation

As Holy Week draws to a close, hearts emerge from its sacred embrace transformed and renewed, carrying with them the echoes of a profound journey.

"This Holy Week, let's not be drawn away by the allure of beaches or vacation spots," urged Sotolombo. "Instead, let's immerse ourselves in the remembrance of the Lord's journey, seeking moments of quiet reflection."

"It's crucial for people to grasp the significance of Holy Week," he emphasized. "It's not just about forgiveness; it's about liberation from all burdens and curses."

Sotolombo recognized that anxieties and loneliness often stem from the weight of sin. Yet, he reminded, "When one finds freedom in the Lord, joy, freedom, and peace naturally follow."

"During this Holy Week, as you reflect," he added, "you're not just accepting forgiveness; you're finding solace in the presence of the Lord."

The pastor underlined Jesus' purpose during Holy Week. "His purpose is clear: to extend forgiveness to humanity, a grace unattainable through mere human sacrifice."

"Remember," he concluded, "obedience is better than sacrifice. The Lord's death on the Cross embodies mercy and grace, beyond the reach of any single act of sacrifice."

As Holy Week bids its farewell, the resonance of these reflections lingers, guiding souls toward transformation and renewal, echoing the enduring message of love, forgiveness, and redemption.