Palm Sunday

This was the scene yesterday at the Sto. Niño dela Paz Chapel in Greenbelt, Ayala Center, Makati City. It was the start of the Holy Week for the Roman Catholic faith and it was symbolized by the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Modern day Christians commemorate this during Palm Sunday which signals the start of Holy Week and ends on Easter Sunday when Jesus was resurrected from the dead.

I was watching last night over the National Geographic Channel about the Gospel of Judas. I am no expert so I can't give my opinion whether it is genuine or fake, but what I can say is that without the act of betrayal done by Judas there would be no crucifixion hence no resurrection and salvation of mankind from sin.

If it was indeed true that Jesus commanded Judas to hand him over to the Pharisees, I think it was really God's plan. Jesus knew that he needs to suffer and die in order to save us unworthy sinners that we are, he knew it was near when he was at the Garden of Gethsemane while he was praying and talking to God.

The best-selling book The Da Vinci Code, which was made into a movie, questions whether Jesus indeed died on the cross and was resurrected on the third day. My faith tells me that Jesus indeed suffered and died for us, for if the death and ressurection of Jesus isn't true then it wouldn't have stood the test of time. There had been many books written before The Da Vinci Code that questions the authenticity of the Passion of Jesus. Even the Gospel of Judas never mentioned any crucifixion happening, well it can be taken into account that he hang himself before Jesus was crucified.

My point is there were a lot of controversies debates and questions about the Christian faith, but after so many centuries, instead of crumbling with all the accusations being thrown at it, it instead grew and continues to be the top religion in the world.

Tuesday April 11, 2006 0:40 AM