Christians observe Holy Monday

Holy Monday of the Holy Week is not a major feast, but a humbling experience for each and every Christian.

According to the day’s reading published at Catholic Online, Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha, lavishly anointed her Master in anticipation of His burial.

"Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair," as stated in the Book of John.

There was a large crowd from the outside not only to see Jesus, but also to see Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead.

It was also the beginning of the plot to kill Jesus, according to the Book. They also had a plot to kill Lazarus.

"Because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of Lazarus," the Gospel read.

In its reflections, Christians were reminded that that very moment, the plan of God was already realizing and Jesus was very much aware that he was to die.

And at the same time, just like Mary, each and every person should be grateful of Jesus who was to die just so sins may be forgiven.

Mary then was a sinful woman who in breaking her flask of alabaster oil, manifested how generous she was to the Master who forgave her sins.

Activities for today, according to the "Lungsoranon" which is the weekly publication of the Archdiocese, include the second day of the Apostles Visits to homes and communities.

But most importantly, Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, repeatedly announced for the Christians to go to confessions and to return to the embrace of Christ.

Today, the Catholic Church expects more people to go to confessions and perform the Stations of the Cross as a form of sharing in Christ’s sacrifice. — Ferliza C. Contratista/MEEV