HOLY WEEK MESSAGE 2025

Among our deepest sorrows and regrets are failed relationships: strained friendships, partnerships gone bad, unfinished work, neglected obligations, commitments that were not faithful. If only we could have done our part. If only we could have reached out. If only I had been more sensitive.

Most of the time, we also miss reaching out to those whom we do not know, those outside our circles, those at the margins and peripheries. May we not forget Jesus’ admonition: “Whatever you do to the least of these, you do to me.” (Matthew 25:40)

As we observe our spiritual tradition of the Semana Santa once again, may we be led to a conversion of relationships. The recent Synod calls the Church to a greater capacity to nurture relationships -with the Lord, between men and women, in the family, in the local community, among social groups and religions, with all of creation.” (Final Document 50)

Sadly, we are seeing many manifestations of individualism, fragmentation, divisions in our time -in the geopolitical area, as the elections get closer, as political quarrels become worse. These animosities and quarrels, ultimately affect the weak, the poor and the marginalized. The evil structures created by the conglomeration of personal and individual interests and profit bring wounds to the community, making the weak and the poor bleed further.

Let us turn to Jesus, who in His great love and mercy, allow himself to be wounded so that his wounds and blood may be the healing balm for our sins and infirmities. The suffering and death of Jesus on the Cross and his eventual resurrection become the medicine and ransom for wounded humanity. This is our great hope: God loved us to the point of self-offering and self-sacrifice. May we recover the courage and the deep desire to offer ourselves, for it is in offering ourselves that we contribute to the pulling down of structures of evil that plague us today.

We recall the words of Jesus: “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies it will not bear fruit.” (John 12:24) Let us meditate on this dying to self, which in the end leads to our salvation. Our sure hope is: “Nothing can separate us from the love of God.” (Romans 8: 38-39)

May you all have a meaningful and fruitful Holy Week.

Most Rev. Rex Andrew Alarcon, DD

Archbishop of Caceres