FOR the Christian community, the holy week begins today on Palm Sunday, culminating in Easter Sunday on April 9. It is a moment of reflection on the circumstances and events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

In Christian theology, Jesus Christ overcame hatred in the events leading to his crucifixion, with his humility made apparent through his passionate love and forgiveness even for those who tormented him – a complete contrast to the self-righteous religious leaders of his day and the power, grandeur and glamour of the leaders of the Roman empire.

This led to his crucifixion, which carries a significant message to the world today.

We see politicians today who think they are always right, and in believing so they create divisions in society as they think it brings them votes, power, prestige and honour.

These divisions fuel the global hegemony of imperial nation states that suppress independent nations who tout self-righteous slogans applied with double standards, capture prisoners of conscience, and spread identity politics that breed a superiority mindset at the expense of unity and compassion.

It seems ideological views take hold of global and national discourse instead of humility in embracing the human condition, which requires compassionate, balanced and just solutions.

The holy week leading to Easter Sunday shows the humility of Jesus Christ in riding a humble donkey to Jerusalem, in contrast to glamour and riches of the Roman Emperor, and his silence and contemplative approach in avoiding morally superior debates with religious leaders, and the avoidance of egoistic need to justify himself in front of the Pontius Pilate, reveals a truth about reality that can only discovered with humility and silent contemplation.

Our nation faces various challenges – from political conflict to economic decline – due to huge national debt and the lack of appreciation for human dignity and rights. 

We need leaders in humility who are able to grasp the reality of the human condition without painting it with ideological assumptions.

All political, corporate and social leaders should engage with humility and accept the democratic process in the country, which respects equality and inclusivity.

Debates about society should be on topics that can bring about unitive common good.

There should be initiative in working towards accompanying the outcast and the marginalised such as the poor, the LGBT community, the struggling middle class, and the spiritually impoverished rich, without the futile debate of who is morally right or wrong.

We need a generation of leaders who will embrace humility without judgment, and stand with all Malaysians for the common good.

The events of the holy week can be an avenue for reflection on the need for contemplative humility, and to listen more than to judge. – April 2, 2023.

* Ronald Benjamin reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.