PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. yesterday expressed hope Filipinos will remain resilient and optimistic despite challenges, just like Jesus Christ while Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula urged the Catholic faithful to have the courage to face problems and hardships, and to develop strong faith in Jesus Christ.
The President, on Palm Sunday, also hoped that adversities Filipinos face would help shape them into better persons.
“As we enter the solemn commemoration of Jesus Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection, let us ponder on the Lord’s perfect example of compassion and self-giving. Our Savior knew that the path of Calvary was not an easy journey. Yet, in dutiful obedience to the Father’s will, he fulfilled His mission, enduring hardships and suffering, all in the name of love. Through His sacrifice, the gift of salvation came into our midst,” Marcos said in a message on Palm Sunday, the start of the observance of Holy Week.
The President said Christ’s death on the cross showed that the limitations and frailties of human beings do not hinder one from fighting for greater causes, and that the “triumph of Easter, uncovered the success of the Lord’s ultimate sacrifice.”
The President also expressed hope that the realization that a loving God embraced humanity to be with mankind, “inspire perseverance through tribulations and be an encouragement” to Filipinos.
“I hope that we will regain strength in the presence of our family and loved ones for us to be more dedicated in doing His will, most especially to those in the peripheries He entrusted under our care. May we have a meaningful and blessed celebration,” Marcos added.
Advincula, in his homily, said Catholics should reflect on Christ’s sacrifices and emulate His compassion, and not surrender when they experience problems and hardships in life.
He said the faithful should reflect on Christ’s humility when he entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.
“He was not riding a horse used for war but a donkey. He was not seated on a throne but was nailed to the cross. He was wearing a crown of thorns that pierced his temple, and not a crown made of gold. He did not show arrogance and power, but He displayed compassion to others,” Advincula said in Filipino.
He said by this, Christ showed humility which should be imitated by Catholics.
He said Jesus also suffered and felt pain just like any other human being when he was carrying the Cross.
“He did not deny experiencing pain. He did not deny that He suffered. He did not pretend that He was okay. He endured the pain, He embraced His cross,” he also said.
It is for this reason, Advincula said, that the faithful should learn from Jesus Christ’s sufferings.
“In our weakness as humans, it is only natural that we want to deny that we are in pain. When we are hurting, our minds tells us to escape it especially when we do not understand it … But in the end, we must have the courage to face our problems, experience the hardships, and embrace the cross. We must learn how to overcome the pain and have compassion on others experiencing the same,” Advincula said.
