Keep faith stronger, says Tagle

PALM SUNDAY MASS Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle holds a palm frond during the Palm Sunday Mass at Manila Cathedral. Palm Sunday marks the start of the Holy Week. RAFFY LERMA

Be faithful even if you are being mocked. Don’t let popular opinion sway your beliefs and commitments.

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle gave this message to the faithful yesterday, Palm Sunday, as Catholics across the Philippines flocked to churches to have their palm fronds blessed. The celebration of Palm Sunday ushers in the Holy Week.

In his homily during Mass at the Manila Cathedral, Tagle said the passion and death of Jesus Christ spoke of an unwavering faith in God, which Filipino Catholics must follow in their day-to-day life.

He said Jesus’ faith that paved the way to the fulfillment of Prophet Isaiah’s prophecy about His crucifixion was unshakable even if he was subjected to suffering and ridicule.

Way to new life

“Brothers and sisters, let us reflect. There are many problems happening in our personal life and in the society because we are not faithful to God,” Tagle said in Filipino.

“People are easy to change their faith and commitment if these are no longer popular or agreeable,” he said. “I hope we become truthful to God even if we are being laughed at, mocked or misunderstood because this kind of faith that Jesus showed will give us a new life.”

Tagle also advised the youth to be steadfast in what they do or believe in.