Special prayers this Holy Week 2021

This is the second year we are all celebrating Holy Week within this continuing pandemic.

Last year, 2020, except for the danger posed by the virus on everyone’s health, many of us proceeded through the year not knowing much about the pandemic and its impact on everyone.

Slowly, people started to realize how the virus would affect practically everything, even one’s religious practice.

A number may have thought that not being able to go to Church and receive the sacraments during the 2020 lockdown would be temporary and short-term. Soon, however, many realized that the virus would continue to restrict their church-going as well until this second year.

For a long time, churches were not allowed to open or when finally allowed, only a certain percentage of church-goers were allowed. Many religious festivities and ceremonies continue to be under government’s decision, including for this year’s Holy Week commemoration.

Churches responded by going online, utilizing various forms of media to allow worshippers to continue hearing masses, celebrating other church occasions virtually. Receiving the Host during Communion continues to be virtual for thousands, especially seniors.

Online confession, sadly, has not been allowed yet.

It remains a serious question and concern why the Catholic Church, specifically, has not considered a viable option for confession given that so many are stressed and eager to find spiritual strength in the midst of this health crisis that continues to adversely affect the livelihood, exacerbate poverty and hunger of millions.

Unable to go directly to church, unable to hear mass and receive communion, confession which can be done through various media would have been a wonderful gesture and bridge the Catholic Church could have extended and provided to so many desperately seeking spiritual guidance, spiritual grace, and spiritual meaning and anchor in their present precarious, challenged lives during this pandemic.

If spiritual communion is allowed virtually, why cannot spiritual confession be allowed as well?

Missing masses, confession, and communion again for another year, especially during the Holy Week, is very difficult, especially for the seniors.

Shall we lift prayers that the Catholic Church will finally check and seriously review their policy and practice during this pandemic?

May the Catholic Church, especially and immediately, monitor whether the Church has effectively been bringing the sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation, to all the spiritually needy whose number is legion but disallowed by law from going to church.

Just as we expect government and other sectors to provide welfare and services to all needy especially during this crisis, let us pray that the Catholic Church also ensure that no one is left behind in the provision of spiritual services.

Meanwhile, for many, faith lives on despite and because of the pandemic.

Uncertainty has always been a part of life but many now, realizing how a virus can turn one’s world upside down or even lead to death, have turned to God, especially this Holy Week, seeking His grace of protection and continuing good health.

The pandemic is everyone’s cross this time. For the needy and poor, the pandemic is an added cross to the many others they have continued to bear and carry through long years.

This Holy Week, shall we join the many, especially among the needy, who believe that faith, like hope, runs eternal?

May there be more Simons who will help them carry their crosses for them.

Like Christ’s, may their present cross and suffering end in resurrection and redemption.

May there be less Pontius Pilates who wash off their responsibility to render justice and genuine service to the innocent and needy.

May more who love God above all share their love and lives with others as well.