Holy Week Festivity

How I remember the HOLY WEEK in the Philippines. I don't know why when it's time for the Lent Season the scorching heat of the sun is very evident. Even if you are not a participant for the penitencia still is you'll suffer because it was really hot, the hottest days on planet earth. Actually only in the Philippines. You may wonder why as I questioned that long time ago. It is the most busiest days in the Philippines because of millions of tourists who flocked the province to join and see the Lent celebration. It was in the province in the Northern part of the Philippines where long processions are held. It was in that region where so many devotees of the "flagella" flogging the most devoted religious men who whip their back, hands and legs with whip-like thorns that hit their bodies as they parade on the roads and streets in their city. Self-inflict injury just like the albino inflicting harm on his body as you've seen in the movie "Da Vinci Code." They parade around the city and towns showing their bloody human bodies for everyone to see. Blood, sweat and tears whipping their ravaged bodies. People watched with such awe and wonder their eyes wide open yet they cannot stop their show of suffering. It's their choice.Why inflict injury into themselves? Why suffer such ordeal? Why the need to do this kind of suffering every year?

Religious devotion, so much faith instilled in their minds and heart that whatever sins they had committed will be forgiven in the eyes of the many people and most especially in the eyes of God. That their lives will be a lot better and be rewarded because of their own commitment to serve the Lord. In so doing that the Lord Jesus Christ suffered on the cross then it's turn for them to feel the same kind of punishment hoping that they will be saved from their sins if there's any. What kind of sin? That we don't know but every year they will do it again.

Is it for the tourism industry? Of course such Holy Week Festival is more than common during this kind of festivity. Huge tourism business bloom. It is part of the Filipino heritage, rich culture and tradition. There are provinces in the Philippines who offered such Semana Santa with the readings and singing of the Passion Book, the colorful parade,  the zarzuela passion drama on stage complete with the Roman costume. The complete whole relay messages of what's inside the Bible, the 7 last messages of Jesus Christ before He died. And it never stop there. Black Saturday and EASTER SUNDAY ... more celebrations are held. You'll have to wake up at dawn to prepare for the coming of Christ. More galant and epic performance of the Church devotees dressed as angels and shepherds waiting for Jesus Christ's return to Earth. After that mass at the Church, humongous feast of delicious food awaits the families in their homes.

You think Jesus Christ returned to Earth?

For the believers they BELIEVEd.

For the Skeptics? They keep waiting and searching.

Every year they have to find ways, check for miracles.

That's what mankind is looking for ---MIRACLES!