Bohol bishop: Pause from politics, reflect on Jesus Christ’s passion
People raise their palm branches as Catholics start the Holy Week with the celebration of Palm Sunday at the St. Joseph Cathedral in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. (Leo Udtohan/Inquirer Visayas)
TAGBILARAN CITY — A Boholano bishop urged the faithful to pause from politics this Holy Week and to instead reflect on the passion and death of Jesus Christ.
In his homily on Palm Sunday, Bishop Alberto “Abet” Uy of the Diocese of Tagbilaran said Holy Week is the holiest of times for the world’s more than 2 billion Christians.
“Let’s keep quiet from politics and reflect. Pray also because this is what will save us. This is what will change our lives. This is what will give us true development,” Uy said during the Holy Mass at St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral Shrine in Tagbilaran.
Uy’s reminder came as the campaign season intensified across the country.
He said progress would not come by the promises of candidates.
“Our salvation begins with silence. Meditation. I am sure that if a person meditates, he will understand what is good and what is bad. He will understand what to do and what to avoid,” the prelate said.
The week allows the faithful to commemorate the events of Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has warned all national and local candidates that campaigning during Maundy Thursday and Good Friday is strictly prohibited – and violators could face up to six years in prison.
Covered under the prohibition are all forms of public campaigning such as rallies, motorcades, caravans, public speeches, and walkabouts.
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