Semana Santa...Holy Week

Living here in Honduras where Catholicism is the predominant religion you see many traditions and religious ceremonies that are new and different.

The big thing to do this week is to go swimming...because it is extremely hot and many people have the entire week off work. However, as I learned last year, many children do not know the meaning of Semana Santa or why they have a week off, they only know that it is when you go swimming.

We have been able to see some of the Catholic ceremonies here to remember this week and what Jesus did for us. Thursday night there was a re-enactment of Jesus with the disciples at the Last Supper, Judas' betrayel and the capture of Jesus. The beautiful sawdust carpets made in the streets from colored sawdust and seeds, the procession of the Catholic church carrying a statue of Jesus through the streets, walking over these carpets.

Yesterday afternoon there was a re-enactment of the crucifixtion (although Carol and I could not find it) and Sunday morning they will have a procession and re-enactment of the empty tomb. All the weekend is filled with mass and processions and many events in the Catholic church.

It has given me many things to think about...how North Americans celebrate Easter? It is probably the busiest day for churches in the U.S., for people wanting to punch their church ticket or get to buy a new dress for the occasion.

While the catholic church is full of ceremonies and rituals, the talk in the street here is of El Senor....what is the talk in the streets of the United States?

Tell someone today that Jesus conquered death, we have nothing to fear, our hope is in Him, for He has Risen! He has Risen!

Have a Blessed Easter Weekend!