IN A WORLD that increasingly requires us to be conscious of our environmental footprint, the call for a “green” Holy Week resonates. As Christian Filipinos mark the sacred week of Lent, the intertwining of spiritual reflection with environmental conservation presents a unique opportunity to honor our planet.
The observance of Earth Hour just a day before Palm Sunday (the start of Holy Week) presents an auspicious occasion for reflection and action. It’s a reminder that the quiet streets, the reduction in energy consumption, and the decrease in noise and waste are not just coincidental benefits of the holiday but can be intentional acts of faith and stewardship. Yes, there’s a deep connection between our spiritual lives and our environmental responsibilities. Caring for the Earth is not separate from our spiritual duties but a direct expression of them.
There are practical and meaningful ways to integrate environmental care into our observance. From avoiding litter and disposables to choosing walking or public transportation, these recommendations are not just acts of conservation but of reverence. They call us to recognize the sacredness in the land we live in, the air we breathe, and the water that sustains us.
As stewards of God’s creation, it is indeed our responsibility to ensure that our planet can continue to support and perpetuate life. This Holy Week, let us embrace this call to action not just as a temporary measure but as a fundamental shift in how we live our faith. By doing so, we can ensure that our celebrations are not only spiritually fulfilling but also contribute to the healing of our planet.
The call for a “green” Holy Week is a powerful reminder that our spiritual journey is intertwined with the physical world we inhabit. It challenges us to reflect on our consumption, our waste, and our impact on the environment not just during Holy Week but throughout the year. As we observe the death and resurrection of Christ, let us also commit to resurrecting our planet from the brink of environmental degradation.
We are given the opportunity to show our love for God not just in words and prayers but in our actions towards the Earth He created. Let this Holy Week be a turning point in our relationship with the planet, a time when we not only commemorate the past but also sow the seeds for a more sustainable and reverent future.
