Hari ini Jumat Agung, Duapuluh dua April, Dua ribu sebelas

Was blessed to have witnessed and participated in the Holy week celebrations here in Surabaya. Although wasn't really able to do some of the usual liturgical jobs of the deacon, I enjoyed being exposed to new things here. I admit that I missed the usual Filipino celebrations we have, particularly the Visita Iglesia, Pabasa and the ellaborate processions of images of the saints, I particularly appreciated new experiences with Indonesian practices. It was my first time to see a live passion play which they call as Jalan Salib visualisasi, a dramatization based from the way of the cross. The first nine stations where parelleled to a contemporary story of an honest man who lost his job because of corrupt officemates, was forced to steal money out of desperation in order to provice for his family's needs and ended up realizing that his suffering is but a small part in Christ's persecution, torture and eventual death. Although I am used to watching horror films with the usual bloody, violent and gorry plots, I can not but feel fear, pain and discomfort while watching live violence performed on stage. I know that it is but a play, and yet the impact is so strong that I started to question if I could really take actual suffering when faced to confront one.

We ended up the day with the liturgy of the word and communion service which focused on the veneration of the cross. Just before sleeping, I watched a very inspiring film starred by Richard Gere entitled Hatchi: a dog's tale, which was based on actual events and is actually a remake of an earlier Japanese film. I can not but start crying which watching the cute dog wait patiently and with loyalty for his master's return in front of the train station, a fete done by Hatchi for nine years even after the death of his master. I likewise checked the live TV streaming of ABS-CBN and found an episode of MMK entitled "Sulo". The inspiring story about Gumapac Barrio School, were teachers and students struggled to keep  the school open. Hope remains were true love and concern is present. Jesus' saving sacrifice continues in people who care, the hope of a happy life in loving citizens who never cease to give, and the inspiration to live because of a promise of eternal life.