Although the Catholic Church officially discourages penitents from practicing crucifixion and beating themselves up (self-flagellation) to atone for their sins, this long-held tradition continues in the Pampanga province among devoted Catholics. I heard that today, Good Friday, March 29, 2013, there were about 24 penitents who were nailed to their individual crosses.

Zeal for God

I do not want to be judgmental and question the motives of these devotees — my very own countrymen. I know many of them are very sincere in their devotion to God. God knows the inner thoughts and intents of their hearts. Instead, I look at them with respect and understanding. I’m actually fascinated by their zeal and dedication to reach out to God and to atone for their sins. Every year as I see this happening, I am reminded of St. Paul’s anguish over his very own people—the Jews—some two thousand years ago who were being destroyed for lack of knowledge. This was somewhat a similar situation back then. Paul said:

Missing the Mark

I feel the same way when I see my fellow countrymen who are zealously trying to reach out to God but are missing the mark for lack of knowledge. They need to know who the real Jesus really is who loves them so much such that he died for them. A penitent should see the truth that he does not need to literally beat himself up and nail himself to the cross each and every year! Truly, “people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6).

Christ Died Already

St. Paul said, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Christ was already crucified for us! And Christ did it because he loves us. He loves all of us! We don’t need to crucify ourselves literally on the cross each year in order for God to love us. He already loved us even while we were still sinners! He continues to love us until now and forever!

Believe the Good News!

Let us believe this present reality that Christ was crucified and he died for us while we were still sinners. There is no need for us to pay for our own sins. Christ did it. It’s finished. Let us believe the truth that God loves the whole world so much that is why God is not willing that any should perish. Let’s change our thinking (repent) and believe the truth — the true gospel — Christ was crucified and already died for you! Believe it and enjoy life and love in Jesus for all eternity!

Related Blog:

• 7 Last Words in Jail on a Good Friday

***Updated: 3/26/2018