Tagle tells politicians: Renew your ‘covenant’ with the people

RENEW your vow of service with the people.

As the 2016 elections draw near , Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle asked politicians to return to their “covenant” of serving their constituents.

“Sa mga lingkod bayan na nandito, na nakipagtipan sa bayan, kayo ay nahalal. Kung kayo ay tinutukso, sa pagtataksil, balikan niyo ang ginawa ni Hesus, bumalik kayo sa pakikipagtipan (To politicians who forged a covenant with the people, you have been elected. If you are being tempted to betray your constituents, return to what Jesus Christ did, and renew your covenant with the people),” Tagle said in a Mass commemorating Holy Thursday at the Manila Cathedral.

He also urged them to “stoop low” and “wash the feet” of the people they serve, just what Jesus has done with His disciples.

“You descend to greatness, you don’t ascend to greatness. True greatness is seen and found when you stoop down and wash the feet of others, even those who are plotting against you. You go that low in service in life, then you become great,” Tagle added.

He also urged the Filipino faithful to emulate the teachings of Christ and to be grateful despite the various issues being faced by the nation.

“Sa panahon natin ngayon, ang daming pagdududa. Ang daming nawawalan ng pag-asa. Ang daming pagod na pagod na. Ang daming sinasabi nga nilang cynical, wala nang ibig paniwalaan, wala nang ibig pang pagtiwalaan. Sa eukaristiya, tunghayan natin si Hesus, kung paano niya binago ang ating kondisyon sa buhay para patuloy tayong umasa. Magpasalamat tayo,” he said.

On Holy Thursday, churches all over the country teemed with Filipinos observing the annual Lenten practice of “Visita Iglesia,” a tradition where Catholics visit seven churches or more to pray and seek confession.

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