Luke 23:35–37 (RSVCE): 35 And the people stood by, watching; but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him vinegar, 37 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!”
Last month the interim president in Peru issued a decree prohibiting all religious celebrations during Holy Week. He decreed all churches must be closed and no public celebrations are allowed. The capacity limit has been revoked completely. On top of that all people have been mandated to stay in their homes at all times. Only one member of the house may leave to purchase supplies for one hour a day. All private transportation is not allowed but you can ride a bike or walk. The stores are opened to purchase but the churches are closed to worship. https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2021/03/21/peruvian-bishops-ask-for-loosening-of-church-restrictions/
What makes this even more upsetting is that next Sunday, Divine Mercy Sunday, Peru will hold their national elections. All peoples will be together to cast their vote in the election. Everyone will descend on the voting stations and wait hours in line next to each other to vote but today no one is allowed to worship together in a church. https://andina.pe/INgles/noticia-perus-president-general-elections-to-be-held-in-april-837258.aspx
The Peru Confrence of Bishops have sent multiple letters to the president asking him to remove this unlawful decree since all peoples for the right to worship. The president has not changed his decree. He has spat in the face of Jesus.
One brave priest from Moyobamba Padre Jaime has publicly spoken out against this clear attack against Jesus and the church. I thank God for this priest and the courage God has bestowed upon him to speak the truth without fear. https://youtu.be/e9ZnqV0vgnA
My hope is all of us would unite to speak up for our suffering Lord on this day of His Passion and Death. I can not stay silent against this clear attack against Jesus Christ. I need to speak up.
I can’t help but think that today as He is walking to the cross He fell because we were silent. His heart broke and His breath was stolen from Him in this exact moment because it was then that He saw us standing silent on this day when He needed us the most.
I desire to alleviate some of His suffering today. I hope I am able to give Him a little help during this long and painful walk today. I want to give Him just a moment of relief during His last humiliating torture today. And I desire to be there to tenderly wrap Him in His burial cloths. To let Him know I do love Him and I am grateful for the sacrifice He just gave for me.
I am here Jesus! I want to help carry your cross! I know I cannot do it but I want to help support You as You do!
