PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. yesterday said the resurrection of Jesus Christ is a “call to action” and an invitation to “rise with Him — through policies that heal, through laws that protect, and through governance that leaves no one behind.”
“To be true pilgrims of hope, it is not enough to say He is risen while leaving others buried — in debt, in hunger, and in silence. If Christ walked out of the tomb, then no one should remain sealed inside theirs,” the President said in his Easter Sunday message.
“The stone has been rolled away. We are now exposed not just to boundless possibilities, but also to the knowledge that we, too, can make a difference. Let us manifest the strength of our faith with the work of our hands and, together, build the Bagong Pilipinas we aspire for our people,” he added.
The head of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, called on Filipinos to let the light enter their lives while Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula encouraged the public to stand firm amid changes.
David, in his homily during the Easter Sunday Mass, said the faithful should mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ by seeing the light amid the darkness.
“How can we recognize leaders who genuinely care for our people, when we allow our eyes to be blinded by `ayuda,’ when we mistake propaganda and viral posts on social media for truth? When our hearts are full of resentment and anger, how can we see hope? When we allow bitterness to fester, how can light break in?” he said.
“When our hearts are covered in darkness, we cannot see the light — even if it’s already standing right in front of us,” he added.
Advincula said, “Everything is shaking beneath our feet. Everything around us is changing rapidly. From politics and economy to education and Artificial Intelligence, everything is trembling and moving. The truth is not easily discernible. Fake news and lies are capturing our digital and communal spaces. Our human and Christian values are challenged from all sides. It is easy for us to get lost and feel defeated,” he said.
The Catholic faithful yesterday celebrated Easter Sunday which ends the 40-day Lenten period. The event marks the resurrection of Jesus three days after His death by crucifixion.
In the Philippines, Catholics mark Easter Sunday with the “Salubong” rites, which sees two separate processions being held featuring the risen Christ and his mother, the Virgin Mary, with the two eventually meeting at a designated area.
VICTORY
The President said the triumph of Easter Sunday “is not just a celebration filled with hope and aspiration for a better tomorrow, but also a testament to the victory of life over death, hope over despair, and light over darkness.”
“It is a clear and solemn affirmation that challenges are not the end, but the means for the reward that we, too, shall receive, through our faithfulness in doing the will of the Almighty. As wounded as He rises from the tomb, Jesus showed the world the power of His love that resonated through the ages and consistently invites us to bear compassion, forgiveness, and solidarity for our brethren” Marcos added.
GUIDANCE FROM ELDERS
David said those finding a hard time seeing the light should seek guidance from their elders.
“Sometimes, we need help finding our way. We need to be guided by signs — markers that lead us back to truth. That’s why it’s important for the younger generation to listen to the wisdom of those who’ve gone before them,” said David.
Advincula encouraged the public to stand firm.
“We do not give in to panic or rage. We journey together with courage and patience. We stand firmly on our anchor and strong foundation,” he said.
NATIONAL UNITY
The Department of Justice marked Easter Sunday with a call for national unity and renewed dedication to fairness, truth, and the rule of law.
In a statement, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla framed the observance of Easter Sunday as both a spiritual and professional commitment for the department tasked with providing justice.
“As we celebrate Easter with joy and hope, the Department of Justice honors the season of renewal and new beginnings, reaffirming its commitment to fairness, truth, and service as it continues its mission to uphold the rule of law without fear or favor,” Remulla said.
“This Easter, let us embrace the spirit of unity and selflessness inspired by the enduring values of compassion and renewal that the season represents,” it added.
Among the challenges facing the justice system are questions surrounding the arrest and surrender of former president Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court in the Hague.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairperson Romando Artes, in a brief Easter message, asked Filipinos to articulate and live the ideals of a true believer in Christ.
“Easter Sunday is considered the most important celebration of the Roman Catholic Church. May we always be reminded of the great love Christ has in for us,” he said in Filipino. – With Ashzel Hachero
