The beginning of Holy Week invites us to deep reflection as human beings, as a society and as a State. These days the Passion of Christ is revived, who sought an essential transformation of humanity and who offered his life so that that message transcends borders and all times. “Love one another”, such simple words that do not reach full expression after more than 2,000 years.
There are similarities between that time and now. 2,000 years ago the population was looking for hope, tired of corruption, inequalities and the privileges of a few. Isn’t it like that now in Bolivia and in the world? Corruption has not been defeated and is part of everyday life when bribes are charged for all kinds of procedures, among other irregularities that occur at all levels in the State.
In Christ’s time there were inequalities and privileges of the religious elite that defined the destiny of the people. Today we know of the widespread rot that envelops the justice system. Also of discrimination against those who think differently because they are not submissive to the rulers.
At that time the post-truth reigned and now alsothe aggravating factor is that now it flies through social networks.
The planet receives Easter in the midst of a war caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. A fact that every day reveals a chapter of horror: from the bombing of residential buildings in various cities, the destruction of hospitals or the massacre of civilians. A war that does not know when it will end and that generates economic, social and political impact throughout the world.
Holy Week arrives in Bolivia in the midst of frightening figures. In 2022, 800 additional complaints of violence against women were received. Femicide cases continue to rise. Both 2,000 years ago and now, women are assumed to be the property/cattle of many men who feel they are owners and who believe they have the right to beat them and even kill them because they are incapable of respecting free, independent and fulfilled couples.
At the time of the Passion of Christ, the majority of the population was submerged in misery, while an elite enjoyed insulting privileges. The same is happening now, when they insist on disguising unemployment and hunger with triumphalist speeches that do not reflect the reality of the majority of Bolivians.
Jesus Christ was looking for a better society, he spoke the truth and was followed by thousands of people. There was a party when he arrived in Jerusalem because his message was to be heard in one of the larger cities, but instead he was taken prisoner, tortured and finally condemned. Isn’t one more similarity recognized in these times and in Bolivia?
All of the above, It is necessary that this Holy Week allows reflection and disarmament. First in the homes, so that domestic violence stops: that the beatings, the femicides and also the rapes end. End disrespect for each member of the family, especially mothers, daughters or sisters.
It is necessary that the reflection be social and that it demand a less political treatment and more concerned with improving conditions for citizens: equal opportunities to work, an end to state discrimination against private entrepreneurs and those who think differently.
That the rulers realize that they are not the owners of the truth and that they must be open to listening to arguments and proposals that come from those who are different, but who can join and build a convergence and an unstoppable force to improve the days of all population.
May it be a Holy Week of reflection and action. Everyone seeks to be better human beings, because it is in the individual that changes take place. So be it.
