Holy Week - 2011

[Jung]

Well, it's almost that time again; the holiest of holy times on the Catholic calendar - Holy Week! And here in Pampanga, it is a chaotic time; one filled with a lot of what even Pope John Paul said in a visit to the Philippines, "Not very religious and more spectacle..."

This year Holy Week starts on Sunday, 17 April 2011 and goes until 24 April 2011, Easter Sunday.

What is interesting here in the Philippines is that Easter is not the focus or highlight of Holy Week. The entire week is more dedicated to the torture and crusification of Jesus on the Cross with even re-enactments carried out by the 'faithful' hoping their 'sacrifice' brings them closer to God.

It is a weird time here with loud speakers keeping all awake 24 hours a day and people walking the street whipping themselves for penance. One year I saw a guy laid out face down on the ground in front of a church with small kids running up to the guy with reeds in their hands whipping the guy's back.

What that has to do with the love of a higher power, I just don't know...

It is a confusing time for the logical mind and each year I am stupefied by this week and it makes me question the opiate of the masses and makes me wonder why some people act like this.

But, when in Rome...

Peace,

- Jung

[Rhoody]

Talking about holy week, I was sitting in my office this morning when my little monster discussed with Rechel some Easter stuff outside..

I just caught her question "Who nailed Papa Jesus?"
Absent minded Rhoody yelled out of his office: "Maria Magdalena..."

She came into my office and was pretty curious about that. Well, I told her that her summer class adviser can explain that much better. I am sure my monster went directly there this morning and ask about that.

Happy Easter and painted eggs

Rhoody