Greater Cincinnati's landscape is dotted with churches. In old neighborhoods like Over the Rhine, Walnut Hills or Price Hill church spires soar high into the sky. The first European immigrants who brought European Christianity to the new lands built some, if not most, of these churches.
On the other extreme are some newer churches that adhere to various doctrines ranging from non-denominational to Pentecostal and everything in between. On many street corners are some small church buildings that were once liquor stores or bars. One major intersection in Florence - US 42 and Main Street - has four or five churches around it.
There is something quite inspirational in this entire quest for spiritual experience.
The significance of the Holy Week for every Christian of any creed and doctrine is the Resurrection of Christ, which took place "on the first day of the week" (Matt.28:1; Mk.16:2; Lk.24:1; John 20:1). The first day of the week, or Yom rishon in Hebrew, is Sunday. The Gospels give an account of Jesus suffering, or passion, leading to the Crucifixion in that final week.
This is the motif of the Holy Week and no Christian disputes that. It is the basis of every Christian's hope and without it there would be no Christianity. It is what binds Christians together.
Yet, during this Holy Week too much controversy among some Christians, supported by Atheists and non-believers, takes precedence regarding the origins and background of Easter to the point of diluting the central motif. It has often been remarked that some within the Christian fold seek to be identified by what they disagree with.
We should note too that Christianity was not meant to remain in Galilee or Jerusalem. It is a transforming power and in its spread it has transformed cultures, customs and people for a better relationship with God.
Let us join together in celebrating the gift of salvation, which is commemorated in the Holy Week.
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