Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 30) – It is the second straight year that Filipino Catholics will observe Holy Week within the confines of their homes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, restricted by the recent imposition of the enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila and four nearby provinces brought about by the rising infections.
As many Filipinos continue to struggle in life due to the pandemic, Fr. Jocis Syquia of the Archdiocese of Manila said this year’s Holy Week is a good opportunity to become a better follower of God and reflect deeper on our faith.
“We have to understand that this is a trying time If God permitted this, it is not because of God’s will in the sense that it is caused by self-centeredness and man’s sin. We can use this opportunity to become better Christians,” he said.
Syquia emphasized that Filipino Catholics, which comprise over 80% of the country’s population, can maximize virtual resources in strengthening their faith amid the difficulties. Lenten rituals like Visita Iglesia and commemorations of the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ can also be celebrated through online means.
“It is very important in this time not to distract ourselves with social media. We use this time to recollect ourselves and to really focus what is really important in our lives,” Syquia told CNN Philippines’ The Final Word on Monday.
Syquia underscored the need for personal reflection and discernment of faith as the pandemic has exposed challenges in man’s life such as the death of loved ones, loss of jobs, and relationship struggles and evolutions.
“The pandemic is simply manifesting to us what is really going on within our own spiritual lives and our own relationships. This pandemic brings out the best and worst in the people. From there, we get to know who we really are and what we have to look at,” the priest said.
Amidst these life changes brought by the pandemic, Syquia said that reflecting one’s relationship with God will assess their spiritual maturity and value the importance of living in accordance to His will. He stressed that the Church is always open to embrace and guide individuals and families in converting to be a real Christian.
“The Lord is just telling us that we are sinful, we can only do so much. If we do our part, we can be assured that God will do His part,” said Syquia. “If we are really able to carry our crosses now, just like how Jesus carried His cross, we will always experience resurrection at the end.”
