Holy Monday a day of solemn reflection
HOLY Monday in the Philippines is a time of solemn reflection and religious observance. After Jesus Christ's entry into Jerusalem, the second day of Lent marked a dramatic turning point in the final days of Christ's earthly ministry. It was when Jesus faced rising hostility from the authorities who would later on call for his death. The Gospel reveals that after spending the night in Bethany, a small village at the foot of the Mount of Olives, Jesus set out for Jerusalem early Monday morning. On the way, He encountered a fig tree, and Jesus cursed the tree for its fruitlessness — which signifies performative religion. Just as the tree displayed the outward appearance of life but bore no fruit, so too, Jesus suggested, had the religious leaders of his day failed to bear the spiritual fruit of true faith. Arriving at the temple courts, Jesus found commerce and corruption where there should have been worship and reverence. He overturned the merchants' tables, condemning the practices that exploited faithful pilgrims. "My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers," he said as mentioned in Matthew 21:13 — a direct challenge to the corrupt religious elite. By day's end, the lines had been drawn. The chief priests, teachers of the law, and elders, already wary of Jesus and his authority, determined to silence him permanently. The events of that day accelerated the plot against Jesus, setting the stage for his betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion. Bishop Ruperto Santos of the Diocese of Antipolo said that Jesus' journey from Jerusalem showcased the lives of people as a journey filled with infinite choices. "Our journey, like that of Jesus, is filled with choices; choosing between right and wrong or evil and righteous. But we must never forget that our life is meant to follow Jesus," he said. Holy Monday is a day when Jesus demonstrated his authority and challenged religious hypocrisy. On Palm Sunday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on Filipinos to practice compassion and show resilience and faith. In his message, Marcos called on each citizen to "take a brief pause" as the entire country reflects on the "sacrifice and triumph" of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the importance of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity. "Our Savior knew that the path of Calvary was not an easy journey. Yet, in dutiful obedience to the Father's will, He fulfilled His mission, enduring hardships, and suffering, all in the name of love. Through His sacrifice, the gift of salvation came into our midst," the president said. "Like Christ, may we remain resilient and optimistic in life, despite all the challenges that come our way. May all adversities that we face shape us into better persons, capable of understanding and charity towards our brethren," he said. The president hoped that Filipinos would regain strength from overcoming struggles in the presence of their family and loved ones this Holy Week. "We are comforted by the triumph of Easter, which uncovered the success of the Lord's ultimate sacrifice. May the realization that a loving God embraced humanity to be with us inspire perseverance through tribulations and be an encouragement to our brothers and sisters," he said. Malacañang has declared April 17, Maundy Thursday, and April 18, Good Friday, as regular holidays and April 19, Black Saturday, a special non-working day. In his Holy Week message, Speaker Martin Romualdez urged Filipinos to reflect on the life of Jesus Christ. "As we enter the solemn days of Holy Week, I invite every Filipino to reflect on the life, suffering, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ," Romualdez said. He said the journey of Christ "reminds us that true strength is found in sacrifice, healing is born of forgiveness, and faith offers hope even in our darkest moments." "In Christ's story, we see our own. We know what it means to struggle, to endure loss, and to keep believing. The Filipino spirit has always risen above hardship — with quiet courage, deep faith, and compassion for others," Romualdez said. He said that for those who are in public service, "Holy Week is a time to pause and return to the core of our calling. It is a reminder to serve with sincerity, to lead with empathy, and to be more attentive to those who are quietly carrying burdens." He said he hoped the Holy Week would bring "peace to the weary, strength to the uncertain, and comfort to those in need." "May it renew our values, strengthen our families, and inspire greater kindness and unity in our communities," he said.
Tomas Kauer - Moderator 
HOLY Monday in the Philippines is a time of solemn reflection and religious observance.
After Jesus Christ's entry into Jerusalem, the second day of Lent marked a dramatic turning point in the final days of Christ's earthly ministry.
It was when Jesus faced rising hostility from the authorities who would later on call for his death.
The Gospel reveals that after spending the night in Bethany, a small village at the foot of the Mount of Olives, Jesus set out for Jerusalem early Monday morning.
On the way, He encountered a fig tree, and Jesus cursed the tree for its fruitlessness — which signifies performative religion. Just as the tree displayed the outward appearance of life but bore no fruit, so too, Jesus suggested, had the religious leaders of his day failed to bear the spiritual fruit of true faith.
Arriving at the temple courts, Jesus found commerce and corruption where there should have been worship and reverence. He overturned the merchants' tables, condemning the practices that exploited faithful pilgrims.
"My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers," he said as mentioned in Matthew 21:13 — a direct challenge to the corrupt religious elite.
By day's end, the lines had been drawn. The chief priests, teachers of the law, and elders, already wary of Jesus and his authority, determined to silence him permanently.
The events of that day accelerated the plot against Jesus, setting the stage for his betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion.
Bishop Ruperto Santos of the Diocese of Antipolo said that Jesus' journey from Jerusalem showcased the lives of people as a journey filled with infinite choices.
"Our journey, like that of Jesus, is filled with choices; choosing between right and wrong or evil and righteous. But we must never forget that our life is meant to follow Jesus," he said.
Holy Monday is a day when Jesus demonstrated his authority and challenged religious hypocrisy.
On Palm Sunday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on Filipinos to practice compassion and show resilience and faith.
In his message, Marcos called on each citizen to "take a brief pause" as the entire country reflects on the "sacrifice and triumph" of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the importance of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.
"Our Savior knew that the path of Calvary was not an easy journey. Yet, in dutiful obedience to the Father's will, He fulfilled His mission, enduring hardships, and suffering, all in the name of love. Through His sacrifice, the gift of salvation came into our midst," the president said.
"Like Christ, may we remain resilient and optimistic in life, despite all the challenges that come our way. May all adversities that we face shape us into better persons, capable of understanding and charity towards our brethren," he said.
The president hoped that Filipinos would regain strength from overcoming struggles in the presence of their family and loved ones this Holy Week.
"We are comforted by the triumph of Easter, which uncovered the success of the Lord's ultimate sacrifice. May the realization that a loving God embraced humanity to be with us inspire perseverance through tribulations and be an encouragement to our brothers and sisters," he said.
Malacañang has declared April 17, Maundy Thursday, and April 18, Good Friday, as regular holidays and April 19, Black Saturday, a special non-working day.
In his Holy Week message, Speaker Martin Romualdez urged Filipinos to reflect on the life of Jesus Christ.
"As we enter the solemn days of Holy Week, I invite every Filipino to reflect on the life, suffering, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ," Romualdez said.
He said the journey of Christ "reminds us that true strength is found in sacrifice, healing is born of forgiveness, and faith offers hope even in our darkest moments."
"In Christ's story, we see our own. We know what it means to struggle, to endure loss, and to keep believing. The Filipino spirit has always risen above hardship — with quiet courage, deep faith, and compassion for others," Romualdez said.
He said that for those who are in public service, "Holy Week is a time to pause and return to the core of our calling. It is a reminder to serve with sincerity, to lead with empathy, and to be more attentive to those who are quietly carrying burdens."
He said he hoped the Holy Week would bring "peace to the weary, strength to the uncertain, and comfort to those in need."
"May it renew our values, strengthen our families, and inspire greater kindness and unity in our communities," he said.
