Holy Week Musings (April 2017)

Note: This microblog was written in my Facebook page last Good Friday, April 14, 2017. Adding a bit more to this microblog for clarity.

It was Good Friday. I took advantage of the holiday to do my usual walk/run exercise in another baranggay where there is ample space to do such activity.

I have been friends with the people in this area; I may not know them by name but they are familiar with this crazy person doing its daily routine.

Among them are two street sweepers, work buddies if you can call them that. They are in charge of cleaning about 2-4 streets in the baranggay. Today was no exception. We exchanged pleasantries and talked about the weather, how dirty is their assigned areas, am I done with my walk and the usual mundane chit chat.

Wnile I was talking to one of my friends while doing their usual rounds, another street sweeper (who was absent in their job) walked by. He sternly told them to stop cleaning at 12 noon. According to him, this is a sacred day (Good Friday) so all activities should stop out of respect.

But my friend told me, that they may be marked as absent - and that guy did not report for duty. Besides, these guys earn below minimum wage so this is the last thing they simply cannot do.

I understand the reason why he said that they should stop working. Observing Lent is a sacred matter for most Filipinos. But you cannot blame my friends for working. They are not committing a mortal sin. They have families to look after. one day of not earning their keep means a lot to them.

Simply put, it does not mean that you are working on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday, you are disrespecting Holy Week in general. One should embody the meaning in the first place.

I end this blog by sharing this quote:

May this sacred time refresh your spirit and draw you nearer to our Father. Happy Easter.

About the Author:

Joseline M. Alosbaños, known as the HR Carousel Ringmistress, is a Certified HR Practitioner with over twenty years of experience in Human Resources Management. Her extensive career spans various sectors, including corporate, freelancing, and consulting, equipping her with a wide range of skills. Joseline excels in employee relations, talent acquisition, total rewards management, HR operations, and organizational development, successfully implementing HR strategies that align with business objectives and promote a positive workplace atmosphere. If you require my services, feel free to contact me at joyce.alosbanos@gmail.com