Passion Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. However, the sacrificial act of Jesus’ crucifixion to redeem fallen humanity seems to have failed to move some people, especially ambitious politicians—the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, for example, with Ukraine needing more weapons to counter the aggression.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, since February 2022, at least 30 countries have provided military assistance making Ukraine the world’s fourth-largest arms importer from 2019 to 2023.
Russia’s war on Ukraine war began on 24 February 2022 with artillery fire and casualties on both sides. Pope Francis has made numerous appeals for both sides to exercise restraint and lay down their differences for the sake of the people. Unfortunately, these appeals have not been heeded.
The pope has not lost hope or given up on the people affected by the conflict as he continuously urges prayers for peace, especially during public audiences.
In addition, hostilities between Hamas and Israel persist in the Gaza Strip with civilians bearing the brunt of the humanitarian disaster.
The pope continues to urge leaders to negotiate from a humanitarian perspective, to set aside their stubbornness and to muster the courage to engage in dialogue. He reiterates that negotiation is not a sign of weakness or surrender.
Holy Week is not just a period of sorrow or mourning, but a glorious commemoration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Holy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper, marking the beginning of the Paschal Triduum. Jesus spoke to his disciples about the significance of his death.
In the gospel of John, Jesus clearly says to them: “You must wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example so that you may copy what I have done to you” [John 13:14b-15].
Jesus personally washes the feet of the disciples to exemplify the spirit of loving one another and humbly serving others; allowing others to recognise themselves in the poor and marginalised.
We may ask ourselves: Do we have the courage to set aside our pride and wash the feet of those we dislike and wholeheartedly accept them?
Good Friday commemorates the passion and death of Jesus. We venerate not the suffering image on the cross but the cross itself as Jesus willingly allowed himself to be nailed to the cross, offering his life for the salvation of humanity.
During the solemn liturgy, we acknowledge our sins and fervently pray for the most urgent needs of the Church and the world—praying for the hearts of those in power to be softened, for them to recognise the true needs of the people, and for the establishment of a world rich in justice and peace.
Let us take up our crosses and follow Jesus to witness love. Even in the face of great difficulties along the journey, we know that the Lord is with us. SE
