Half way through Lent , we find ourselves praying for more cleansing and more purity in our relationship with God. Although lent is not required anywhere in the scriptures, it has been a custom, which Christians have practiced for most of the last two thousand years. In many languages, the word “Lent” actually means “Fast.” This is where the custom of giving up something for Lent originated.
I remember my grandparents always asked us during Lent to refrain from boisterous laughter, and even abstain from watching television. We were taught as children to “give up something” for Lent. The sacrifices in Lent are really penance, in the same spirit as the Ninehvites, who repented at the preaching of Jonah. Throughout our history, Christians have found prayer, fasting and almsgiving to be important parts of repentance and renewal. Many Christians now add something during Lent, rather than giving up something, either to address personal habits that need work or to add some outreach to others in need. It is not necessary to “give up something”, but it would be a tragedy to do nothing.
Traditionally, in the Philippines, throughout the Season of Lent, parishes experience rich and diverse devotional practices. Lent is celebrated with deep prayer, reflection, and renewal of Christian practices such as Stations of the Cross, perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and processions. Such devotions are useful preparations for the celebration of the Lord’s Passion and Death in Holy Week.
Acts, such as kissing of the cross, traditional singing and dramatization of the story on the passion of Christ, blessing of the palms on Palm Sunday, the Holy Thursday ritual of washing the feet, the Good Friday vigil and Easter are devotional exercises to help foster the liturgical spirit, with which the faithful can prepare themselves for the celebration of Christ’s paschal mystery.
However, this religious event gave birth also to famous places of interest. In Marinduque, there is the Moriones Festival, where people dress up like Roman soldiers to remember the beheading of Longinos, a Roman centurion, who pierced the side of the crucified Christ. In Sipalay, Negros Occidental, quack doctors go to unexplored caves on Good Friday, in search of amulets for healing and power.
There is also the Sinakulo of Pampanga, where the actual nailing on the cross of some namamanata or the most famous “Pagtaltal sa Jordan” in Guimaras island where tourists from all over the world, witness the reenactment of Jesus’ sufferings on his way to Calvary. Back here is the famous Amang Hinulid pilgrimage, where thousands, mostly composed of young people flock to Calabanga to pay homage to the Santo Entiero. These celebrations indeed portray the Lenten message of sacrifice and crucifixion. I still believe that many people who participate to these celebrations are indeed aware of the spirit of Lent, that going there is to experience prayer and renewal.
But apparently, as years go by, these events had led many to sheer showcase of talents, of entertainment and tourist attraction. Many have transformed this religious event into a carnival of pleasure and fun. We are losing the sense of Lent. People anticipate Holy Week, not because they want spiritual nourishment, but break from the daily routine. So they go to beaches and spend time simply for fun and relaxation. Let us be mindful that if ever this is a time of relaxation, it has to be a relaxation with God in prayer.
We recall the Pres. Arroyo issuing A.O. 255 on Jan. 30, “directing the heads of the executive department to a lead moral renewal” in their agencies amidst corruption controversies affecting her administration. This season of Lent is a fitting time to discern this challenge. In fact, this applies to all of us, Filipinos. Moral renewal refers to formation of values and ethical behavior for all government officers and employees, as well as the strengthening of people’s values to achieve zero tolerance for corruption. This does not also exempt the Church, who calls for renewal in various aspects of her institution and faith practices.
This season of Lent is the time to make a sincere commitment for renewal. Ultimately, the question that will be asked is not, “what are the things what you gave up this lent” but “what have you become after lent.”
The highlight of the year for Christians is Easter, the day when our Lord rose from the dead. This is the victory won for us by Our Lord Jesus. Of course, that was what He gave up - his life for us, but in the end, it transformed us into better people and we have to be true to that.