Holy Week reminders

BY MARILYN C. ARAYATA

Don’t just profess your faith. Live it in such a way that people will know your God even if you do not say thousands of words about him. You do not have to label yourself a “Christian.” People will smell it.

Leave some for others. This includes access to benefits and COVID-19 vaccines. Whatever blessings and resources are entrusted to you, always think of the intended recipients. Be a good steward.

Control yourself. Who says “Sacrifice a little” and “Seek the good of others”? What weaknesses might lead you to a dangerous situation or a wrong decision? From Benjamin Franklin: “Educate your children to self-control, to the habit of holding passion and prejudice and evil tendencies subject to an upright and reasoning will, and you have done much to abolish misery from their future and crimes from society.”

Be a blessing. One servant of God always says, “It is not enough that you do not do anything evil. You must do good to others.” Share your blessings. Help those who struggle physically, emotionally, and financially. Share your time and talent.

Do not crucify people for committing mistakes or for being different from you. Being a follower of Jesus is not just about ceremonies and rituals. It involves showing people kindness, compassion, and respect whatever their status, affiliation, religion, or color. If you don’t like them, don’t hurt them.

You become a source of strength when you carry your cross. We don’t live in isolation. People witness what we do. When you accept what life throws at you with courage, patience, and dignity, you encourage other people to do the same when trials beset them.

Enjoy solitude. We need one another, but we also need time away from other people. Even Jesus took some time to be alone. Take time to pause. This is the only way you can reflect on what is happening to you. “It is only when we silent the blaring sounds of our daily existence that we can finally hear the whispers of truth that life reveals to us, as it stands knocking on the doorsteps of our hearts” (K.T. Jong).