Holy Week 2024: Meaningful Things To Do during the Lenten Season

The weather is changing, time is passing, and the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations are becoming distant memories, all signaling the arrival of Lent.

What is Lent?

Lent, known as la Cuaresma in Spanish, symbolizes Jesus’ 40-day prayer and fasting in the desert after he was baptized in the Spirit. The Lent period begins on Ash Wednesday (el Miércoles de Ceniza) and concludes on the evening of Maundy Thursday for Roman Catholics or on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday, in certain faiths – and is celebrated for a total of 40 days.

What is Holy Week?

Holy Week (Mahal na Araw in Filipino, or Semana Santa in Spanish) is the sixth and last week of Lent. It is filled with the church’s most solemn ceremonies intertwined with joyful celebrations. This time marks a major religious observance in the Philippines for the Catholic majority, the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, the Philippine Independent Church, and most Protestant denominations – it is a time of devotion to the passion of Jesus Christ.

The Holy Week commenced last March 25, 2024, the Palm Sunday. As a predominantly Catholic country, our fellow kababayan demonstrate deep commitment to the events preceding Easter Sunday. Despite the large number of participants, only a minority engage in Holy Week activities wholeheartedly. This raises the question: How can we ensure that our Holy Week is genuinely sacred or holy? How can we make this week more meaningful through commemoration?

Here are 4 ways to help you make this Holy Week 2024 more meaningful for you as a Christian:

1. Assess your connection with God.

If you feel distant or disconnected from God, consider returning to the path that guides you back to Him. You can start by confessing all of your sins and make an act of repentance, for God just like in the story of The Prodigal Son, welcomes back his prodigal son with such enthusiasm. He’s waiting for you.

Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. Proverbs 28:13 

After that, you can connect more with Jesus during Holy Week through personal reflection and prayer. Devoting time daily to reading and meditating on passages from the Bible that narrate Jesus’ final days can enhance our understanding of his sacrifice and love, reigniting a lost connection with Jesus once more.

2. Forgive and ask for forgiveness.

Do you have people whom you are angry with and are yet to forgive?

Think of those people who have hurt you or people you may have hurt too. Ask for the strength to forgive them and in the same way, ask forgiveness from God and to those people you have hurt that they may forgive you.

As the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 
Colossians 3:12-13

You’ll realize how forgiving will make you feel a LOT lot better. Forgive because He has forgiven you multiple times than you can even remember.

3. Embody Acts of Service and Kindness

We are not saved by our good deeds, but what better way is there to demonstrate respect for His love and sacrifice than to show kindness and emulate Jesus’ humility and selflessness this Holy Week.

As others may be facing challenges, small acts like sharing your time, showing gratitude, lending a helping hand, participating in community services like local charity work or food bank assistance, or demonstrating empathy through gestures such as writing a letter or making a call, can have a significant impact. By spreading love and compassion, you not only uplift others but also nourish your soul in the process.

As Ephesians 2:8 mentions, we are saved by grace through faith, not by good works. However, verse 10 emphasizes that we are created to do good works that God has prepared for us. Our salvation should inspire us to perform good deeds. And this week is the BEST time to do that. Consider those whom you can bless with kindness and support. Pray for them and put your prayers into action.

4. Show your love and affection for Jesus.

Let’s dedicate this week to showing our love and appreciation for Jesus. After all, He is the one who endured great suffering and made the ultimate sacrifice for us.

Expressing our devotion to Jesus can be through prayer, reflection, and attending church services. We can also try meditating on His sacrifices and engaging in quiet worship and contemplation.

By fasting or giving up something you cherished so much, you are expressing love for Him and demonstrating a commitment to your faith. Offer this sacrifice privately, solely between you and the Father, and do it with a smile on your face and joy in your heart.

Participating in religious practices such as the Stations of the Cross, engaging in Holy Week rituals like Maundy Thursday, attending Good Friday services, and celebrating Easter Sunday can strengthen your spiritual connection with Jesus during this sacred time.

Moreover, dedicating quality time to your loved ones can serve as a wonderful way to show love and appreciation towards Him.

Dive into the Holy Week events to rejuvenate your faith and strengthen your spiritual bond with the teachings of Jesus. By translating your faith into tangible actions and striving to deepen your connection with Him, you can demonstrate your dedication and love to Jesus throughout Holy Week. Remember, everyone’s way of demonstrating love for Jesus may vary, and that’s perfectly okay. But what truly matters is the sincerity of our hearts as we engage in these acts. Let’s approach these practices with love, not out of obligation, but out of deep appreciation for who He is and what He has done for us. Ultimately, embrace the tranquility of the Holy Week. Make it a time of renewal and rejuvenation for your mind, body, and spirit.

About The Author

At present, Sarah Alarcon serves as a Senior Financial Wealth Planner, focusing on securing financial futures with a compassionate touch. She is also a Licensed Physical Therapist in the Philippines and the US, emphasizing personalized care. Outside of work, Sarah finds joy in her faith, teaching, and exploring new destinations, enhancing both her personal and professional life. She treasures personal development, seizes life’s possibilities, and embodies a curious and adventurous spirit as a Christian woman and wife. As The Maligayang Millennial, her passion lies in helping more individuals lead wealthier and happier lives.

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