We attended a mass in our parish church. Before entering the gates of the church, vendors selling crosses made of coconut leaves were visible on the sides of the road. It signifies our celebration of Palm Sunday, which commemorates the people's warm welcome of Jesus' arrival to Jerusalem. We bought a couple from a lady for 10 pesos a piece.
Upon reaching the church, there was already a blessing of the palm crosses, so I joined the crowd. It is from our old belief that putting this vindicated crosses in our doors or altar would drive away bad elements or spirits that cause bad luck, trouble and diseases. I think, there's no harm in following such custom which had been passed from countless generations. It took me a couple of minutes outside the church for the priest's blessing, since he wanted people to properly and orderly received the blessing, as a sign of their respect to the proceedings. Which I think was just proper, people need not rush in front just to make sure the holy water touched their crosses. The blessing was for all and what's more significant was having faith in it.
The Gospel reading was a lot longer than the usual. It tells of Jesus' Passion, from the last supper with His disciples until His death on the cross. The Gospel was also divided into different roles (i.e. Jesus, Peter, Judas, Pilate, crowd, etc.), and every role was designated to different people, instead of the priest reading It all alone. It was a long stand, but come to think of all the blessings in our life, the very thing that Jesus gave His own life and submitting to our Father's will for our salvation, it's worth everything.
With the coming Holy Week, let us all remember the significance of what the occasion is for, and not the long relaxing vacation it might be. It is for our Lord, let us offer what is due Him. Yahweh bless.
