FORMER UST Secretary General Fr. Winston Cabading, O.P. described the myth of not taking a bath during Good Friday as “foolish” in a two-part question-and-answer video series on Holy Week produced by UST.
“Walang kinalaman ‘yan sa Biyernes Santo,” he said in a “Father Answers Questions” episode. “Kung gusto niyo maligo, maligo kayo para presko para nakangiti kayo habang nagdadasal.”
It is also untrue that Jesus’ power diminishes at the hour of His death.
“Kalokohan ‘yan. Kaya nga ‘Diyos na makapangyarihan sa lahat’ e hindi humihina ang kapangyarihan Niyan. Imbento lang ng mga tao na kunyari humihina,” the Dominican priest debunked.
Cabading called on Catholics to observe Good Friday without engaging in leisure activities.
“Ang focus natin ay ‘yong pagpapakahirap ng Panginoong Hesukristo, and by pausing on the usual things that we do, nire-recognize natin na itong araw na ito ng Biyernes is a special Friday because we remember Jesus’ suffering for love of you,” Cabading said.
“We respect and love and make sacrifice for people that we love. Kung ‘yan ay totoo na ginagawa natin para sa mga mahal natin sa buhay, bakit hindi natin puwedeng gawin ‘yan para rin sa ating Panginoon na nagmamahal sa atin?” he added.
Good Friday is part of the Paschal Triduum – from the evening of Maundy Thursday to the evening of Black Saturday – a period of contemplation to remember the sacrifices made by Jesus to redeem humanity from its sinfulness.
Cabading credited reenactments of the Lord’s suffering, like the Senakulo, for enlightening the public on Jesus’ passion, but said the faithful must do penance privately.
“Sabi nga ng Panginoon, kapag gumagawa tayo ng mga ganiyan, hindi para ipakita. Hindi para lumabas na palabas kasi kapag palabas ‘yan, gusto natin purihin tayo ng mga tao,” he said.
“Pero kung tayo ay magpipinitensya, we do it in secret where our Heavenly Father sees all things in secret. Hindi palabas, hindi drama,” he added. Allyssa Mae C. Cruz
