Remembering Christ’s Death: A Daily Action of Gratitude

Commemorating Jesus Christ’s death on the cross shouldn’t just be done in a Holy Week. It must be a daily habit.

Commemorating is not just about re-enacting His persecution and crucifixion, rather it is a daily devotion and gratitude that must be found planted in the bottom of each heart.

The 17th “Buhing Kalbaryo” that was held earlier yesterday was indeed a success. Many people came over and the event went smoothly—as planned. For many years, participants of the re-enactment of Christ’s death on the cross, were continually devoted to what they’re doing. “Buhing Kalbaryo” have had long preparations to make it pretty spontaneous and perfect.

Raffy Anor, the man who played “Jesus” in the crucifixion said that they had 2 months of preparation for it. He also said that he voluntarily participated in this special annual event on Good Friday, because he wanted to experience what it takes and what it feels to have the biggest role.

Talking to him wouldn’t be so great and complete if I wouldn’t know the right answer to the hottest issue: “Is the nail on his hands, real?” Well, laughingly he said, “No. Nailad mo no?” He explained that though, what was perceived by the people seemed so real, all that was seen was just done in a trick—-which the people behind the nailing only know.

The event was organized by the office of the mayor, headed by the mayor himself, Hon. Michael Rama. In a closing speech he said, though he was the director of the event, he acknowledged that everyone— including the crowd and even himself were just all participants of “Buhing Kalbaryo” and God is the One who must take the credit of being the Director of the successful event.

Everyone was glad to witness the rare occasion. It is good to see people, attending an event that is all about Him and His precious gift— the gift of salvation. Without His death on the cross, there will be no hope for tomorrow, no grace that frees us from the bondage of sin and no forgiveness to assure us heaven.

Celebrating Holy Week is one of the most important occasions that our country has respected and annually celebrated. It is the time where people leave their work and refocus their sight to the One True God, who is the very reason why we existed. It is the season when people repent for their sins, due to the conscience of being redeemed with a price that entails the death of God’s Precious Son.

But, it’s sad to know that some, if not many of us, have forgotten the main essence of Jesus Christ’s death on the cross.

Unfortunately, people just remember Christ’s death only during these times and not in every single day of a person’s life. Though it is good to celebrate this special event together by allocating a “same” week, it’s still best if we’re going to plant it in our hearts so it won’t be forgotten. It’s also best if we cultivate what we’ve planted daily by having personal relationship with God so it may grow.

Christ’s death, as a manifestation of His amazing grace that abounds is more than worthy to be treated with utmost importance and shouldn’t be just an event that is remembered only once a year.

Sacrificing One’s life for the salvation of everyone—even those who don’t love Him, is selflessness. It entails an extravagant love that no one can compare and fathom.

Christ’s love is more than enough for us to love Him daily—not just remember Him. Remembering His death—His gift to Salvation of all- is the least that we can do, to thank Him of His gift. And that alone must be more than enough of a reason to thank Him daily.