Days of Old

In decades past, Holy Week was a very solemn event. As little boys, we were not allowed to laugh out loud, play with our toys, or even watch TV. We were even made to believe that getting a scratch or a wound during Holy Week, particularly on Good Friday, would mean that the wound will take quite a while before getting healed because the Great Healer is dead.

Being disallowed to watch TV at the time was not really that hard to accept, for there was hardly any show on the boob tube. Most of the TV networks then would go off the air, starting on Maundy Thursday all the way to Black Saturday, with regular programming resuming only on Easter Sunday.

The few daring stations who opt to go on air during this time would offer only religious programs, usually old movies depicting the life and suffering of Jesus.

In short, Holy Week was a lonely period for kids like me for it meant being removed, albeit temporarily, from all the things that I love to do all year round.

Yet, it was also a time for reflection, particularly for grown-ups. For three straight days, people then would pre-ocupy themselves with religious activities: joining the 'pabasa'; watching the senakulo; going to confession; or simply praying at home.

These days, however, people no longer see Holy Week for what it is. The event is now regarded by many as a regular but extended holiday. A time for fun and enjoyment. So, instead of visiting places of worship, we now go to resorts and beaches. Rather than be stuck with old and replayed religious films, we can opt for a marathon of our favorite movies through rented dvd's.

TV has also gone into a make-over vis-a-vis the Holy Week. There are now movie specials and modern-day takes on the redemption of mankind, but if you prefer to enjoy your daily dose of TV watching, there is now cable TV to keep you satisfied.

As it is, young people these days no longer know how it is to observe Holy Week. A sad note really, considering that its essence is the very foundation of the faith that we now practice.