“Unless there is a Good Friday in your life, there can be no Easter Sunday.”
– Ven. Fulton Sheen, American Catholic bishop
TODAY is Wednesday of Holy Week. As I write this in commemoration of the holiest week of the year in the Christian calendar, let me exhort my fellow Christians to think, feel and be holy on Holy Week. That’s the least that is expected of Christians during these sacred days.
It’s one week when Christians should be most charitable, give alms, be exceptionally kind and generous, speak no evil against others, and avoid sin at all costs.
Easter marks the end of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer and penance. The last week of Lent is called Holy Week, and it contains Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus.
Easter Sunday commemorates the Resurrection of the Lord. Easter is followed by a 50-day period called Eastertide or the Easter Season, ending with Pentecost Sunday.
To the Catholic Church, Easter is considered the most important feast in its calendar. In Malaysia, Christmas is more synonymous with Christianity but for Christians, it is Easter which takes precedence over Christmas.
The foundation of the Christian faith is the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. On Easter Sunday therefore, while secular society occupies itself with eggs and rabbits, the Christian Church celebrates God’s great triumph over sin, death and the devil with the ancient greeting: Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Good Friday has been a public holiday for Sarawak and Sabah for decades because of the large Christian population in the two Borneo territories.
Perhaps it should also be a public holiday in Peninsular Malaysia as more and more Malaysians have embraced the Christian faith.
On Palm Sunday, three days ago, I attended the evening mass in St John’s Cathedral, Kuala Lumpur.
The parish priest, Rev Father Gerard Steve Theraviam, delivered a most lively homily which unfolded as a rich tapestry of biblical narrative, spiritual symbolism, and practical application for the congregation.
I love that Father Gerard also sang along during his sermon, thus giving it the spirit of a full-bodied celebration of faith – a blend of spoken word and sacred melody that enriched the entire experience.
Yes, I share the love of music with members of the clergy for music has a unique way of bringing people together. Through the shared experience of singing, the congregation was not merely a passive audience but an active participant in the service.
Perhaps the most striking tone of Father Gerard’s homily was the reminder of how we, Christians, would sway like the “lallang”, by welcoming Jesus with shouts of “Hosanna” in his honour at one instance and then urging Pilate to “Crucify him” at another.
Palm Sunday marks Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The crowds shout “Hosanna!” (meaning “save us now”), laying down palm branches and cloaks – a king’s welcome. It’s a scene of joy and hope, echoing messianic expectations from the Hebrew scriptures.
But by Friday, the same city calls for his crucifixion. The crowds choose Barabas, a known criminal, over Jesus. Pilate, though hesitant, gives in to public pressure. The same voices that welcomed Jesus now rejected him.
This reversal can be seen as a betrayal – not just by individuals like Judas or Peter – but collectively, by the people, the religious establishment, and even the Roman authorities. And in that sense, it can also be seen as a metaphor for humanity’s betrayal of divine love.
In essence, Father Gerard’s homily on Palm Sunday and the approach to Holy Week served to illuminate the layered narrative of Christian salvation.
It celebrated the joyous beginning with the waving of palm branches while preparing hearts for the emotional and spiritual journey of the upcoming days – a journey that moves from public acclaim to the mystery of sacrifice, culminating in the triumphant hope of resurrection.
Such a homily not only educates but also inspires, inviting each individual to reflect on their walk of faith amid life’s trials and triumphs.
Let us be mindful that we live in a blessed land that was founded on a Constitution based on biblical principles and principles of a belief in God and a belief that the truth will set men free.
On this Christian feast, it is important to pray that every man, woman and child would have the opportunity to receive Jesus Christ as their saviour.
Let us all humbly encourage all citizens of faith to turn to God so that we may open our hearts in thanksgiving for the blessings we received and to seek strength, wisdom, and encouragement to build a better Sarawak for all.
Sarawak has a rich Christian history and what a gift it is to know that God has blessed us with the right to pray, teach and practise our beliefs in this great homeland of ours.
We also pray for those who lead and govern us that God may fill them with wisdom and courage to rule in a fair and just manner.
Finally, let us pray for the strength to stand boldly against tyranny, corruption and abuse of power. We must never forget that our democratic rights are given by God and that they are hated by unfaithful men.
Lord, bless our beloved homeland and all who walk with humility and dignity on its blessed soil.
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at sirsiah@gmail.com.
