On a sweltering Holy Wednesday morning, under the cruel scorching heat of the sun, this was sacred time indeed to present a creative portrayal of the Passion and Death of Jesus on the streets of Manila.  It was not your traditional Way of the Cross.  It had a disturbing message.   Its feel, unsettling.  Its purpose, to confound the watcher. It was another way of presenting the Filipino people’s suffering. This multi-sectoral gathering represented by laborers, teachers, health workers, the urban poor community leaders and members and other lay church workers have given space for a presentation of a profound “people’s interpretation” of the Gospel’s telling of the Passion and Death of Jesus.  The “Kalbaryo ng Maralita”  (Calvary of the Impoverished and Marginalized) is a new way for deeply reflecting on the Filipino people’s situation.

For so long we have shielded and protected David and Eli from what happened with their “lost” sons. We still do so with today’s Davids and Elis.

In the account of the Transfiguration in Luke 9:28-36, there are numerous elements that invite deeper reflection. Often, discussions center on the events leading up to the transfiguration, the selection of only three disciples from the twelve to accompany Jesus, the significance of Moses and Elija’s presence, and the symbolism of the clouds. However, what is frequently overlooked is the transformation of Jesus’ face and clothing, which serves as the true indicator of the Transfiguration.