Repentance remains a central theme in the Holy Week as Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma urged the faithful to change their ways and focus on sacrifice rather than power.
“They are invited by the Church to recall that people should do the expectation of our Redeemer and realize that it’s not the kind of redeemer with power, prestige and glory, but a King who was crucified and offered his life to the cross,” Palma said.
Palma, who officiated yesterday’s blessing of palm leaves at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, encouraged parishioners to do something “beyond human expectation and beyond comprehension.”
In his homily, Palma said people can either “reject the Lord or ask the Lord for forgiveness of sins.”
He said one must further appreciate God’s love and not cite poverty as a reason to be miserable of life.
“Despite my weakness and problems, God loves me. Life is beautiful even with all our problems. Nothing separates us from the love of the Lord,” Palma said.
He reiterated Pope Francis’s teaching and embodiment of simplicity and said poverty is not the lack of clothing, food and other material things, “but the inability to find joy.”
“With God’s help, tomorrow will be better than today,” Palma said, associating the meaning of Lent which is to be hopeful for God’s coming salvation.
“Let’s journey with the Lord in the beginning of Lent…we can look forward in his celebration for victory,” Palma told the faithful. Correspondent Tweeny Malinao