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5 Tips on How To Get in Touch With Your Spiritual Side at Home This Holy Week

The final days of Holy Week—Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday—are a period of prayer, meditation, and reflection for Christians everywhere. But with the number of COVID-19 cases still on the rise, many families choose to spend Holy Week safe at home. No pilgrimages, churchgoing, or even long weekend beach trips again this year.

With everyone in the family at home, it can be a challenge to spend a quiet moment alone and tap into your spiritual side. For other families, the Holy Week break means observing religious traditions together. However you and your loved ones celebrate this Christian holiday, here are five helpful tips on getting in touch with your spiritual side at home this Holy Week.

 

 

Listen to uplifting music

via Tyler Callahan on Unsplash

Nothing sets the mood quite like music. While most homes may prefer a tranquil atmosphere over the next few days, there’s nothing wrong with playing religious hymns and songs of worship. Start your day with Papuri, a four-hour Spotify playlist of enriching Filipino tunes just in time for Holy Week.

 

 

Reflect on the gospel for the day

via Wesley Tingey on Unsplash

Every day of Holy Week, take several minutes to read and reflect on the gospel. Suppose you don’t have a Bible with you. In that case, you can check the daily readings from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, which like the Philippines, uses the New American Bible. You can also listen to similar podcasts, subscribe to daily readings through email, or download mobile apps such as Laudate (free) or iMissal (for purchase).

 

 

Turn down the noise

via Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Silence does not have to be deafening. This Holy Week, refrain from listening to secular music, the news, and podcasts. Avoid streaming and watching videos for the long weekend. Your family and your neighbors will surely be glad that it’s a lot quieter around the house.

Turning down the volume is a Holy Week observance for a good reason. The silence allows you to mentally get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. More importantly, the quiet provides you with a moment to reflect on Jesus Christ’s death on Good Friday until his resurrection on Easter Sunday.

 

 

Be kind to yourself and your enemies

via RODNAE Productions Pexels

In Christian teachings, the Gospels say that Jesus Christ cried out these last words, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”

Holy Week is a time of forgiveness. First, don’t be so hard on yourself. The next few days are a time to reflect on our mistakes and shortcomings and how we can be better and more caring people. Second, be kind and forgiving to others. Holy Week is also a time to make peace with others who have hurt us. Don’t be afraid to practice self-care and let go of any ill feelings you may have towards your enemies.

 

 

Celebrate Easter Sunday

via Guillaume de Germain on Unsplash

There’s more to Easter Sunday than painting eggs and organizing egg hunts for the kids. Why not spend time together as a family, watching the special mass or prayer service online to celebrate the Risen Christ? Then, cap off the refreshing summer morning with a delightful cake from Miss B:

 

 

*Featured image via Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

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