Today is Maundy Thursday and I know most of you are already in your provinces and spending time with your family.

But before we all bask in the sun and enjoy the break time, let us not forget the true meaning of this week – to reflect and strengthen our faith.

Growing up in a Catholic family, we are all aware of our spiritual duties this season. Every year, we do the Stations of the Cross and attend recollections. On Friday, we strictly observe fasting led by my wife, Marissa. These activities are part of the family traditions which we hope the younger generation, most especially our children, will adopt despite the distractions of technology, vacation, and others. We always remind them of their obligations as children of God. We are all children of God.

Our day-to-day life consists of business responsibilities coupled with personal and other matters that demand our time and attention. As entrepreneurs, we think of our enterprises 24 hours non-stop. It even takes away time from our families, friends, and even our personal time. We forget ourselves and lose the essence of work-life balance in the process. I can say it is really a challenge to become an entrepreneur, but it is also rewarding.

Having this season to reflect and ponder on our spirituality and faith, it is best to have a break from our offices and have a quiet time to pray. Make use of this time to contemplate on the most essential things, things we have done wrong or right, and how we can be a better version of ourselves as we try to live a Christ-centered life. We think of how we can always be of help to others. I always remember Jesus’ words, “Whatsoever you do to the least of my brethren, that you do unto Me.”

Let me share one part of the sermon I heard at a mass we attended a few years back which I also shared in this column. The priest said being holy must not only be during Sundays or during Holy Week. Instead, we must live it out always, seven days a week. He shared: H for Humility, O for Obedience and Openness, L for Life of Fidelity and Life of Faithfulness, and Y for Yearn to do Good. With Go Negosyo, it is always the yearning or desire to do good. Our advocacy has been running for a good 11 years now and we have seen how we have inspired and empowered Filipinos to become enterprising and entrepreneurial. It is our way, both Go Negosyo as a team and the entrepreneurs in our community, of helping and sharing our blessings with others. That is why it is fulfilling to hear stories of people who have been inspired by our efforts through our books, tv and radio shows, mentoring programs, summits, and this column. They are what we call, Kwentong Go Negosyo.

So before we go on our relaxation and recreation, let us all have a moment to reflect and repent. Let us value the sacrifice of God and have a more meaningful life ahead of us. As we receive blessings everyday, let us all be a blessing to others as well.

Let us observe the Lenten season with serenity and welcome the Easter with enlightened hearts and minds, and stronger faith and spirituality.