“Recalling is reliving”

Remembering the beauty of one’s past gives meaning to live the present. What keeps one going is the recollection of surpassing every trial, pain and defeat that leads to fulfillment.

“Recalling is reliving,” stresses Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, Archbishop of Davao, as he inspires the clergy in celebrating the Holy Week. The same exhortation is valid to all the faithful.

For priests, the Holy Week is not only work. It is all about recalling the Paschal Mystery of Christ. It is a remembrance which enables one to relive the great gift of the ministry of the priesthood. “There must remain some feeling of an excitement even in preparing one’s best vestments,” Archbishop Valles emphasized.

As Holy Week concludes with the Triduum, priests, religious, and the lay faithful must be moved by the scene of all the clergy who gather before their bishop at Chrism Mass, usually on Holy Thursday, to renew their commitment and express unity with the local church.

The replay of Jesus’ washing of the feet of the disciples must lead believers to become servants to one another.  As Visita Iglesia is observed, people need to become a church where faith, hope and love reigns.

Participating in the Via Crucis, reflecting on the Seven Last Words of Jesus and venerating the cross, all of these are occasions for us to relive the immense love God has for us.

Celebrating baptism for the catechumens and renewing one’s baptismal vow at Easter Day enables us to rise from sinfulness. This resurrection makes us participate in the new life Christ brings us.

Unless one recalls how he has been saved, one cannot feel the joy of being loved. No matter the hardships and discomforts, there is glory and success in faithfulness. (dcherald)