Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle MARIANNE BERMUDEZ/INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
JESUS’ Resurrection should give people hope that God’s triumph is sure amid local and international events that tempt them to be cynical and pessimistic, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle said in his Easter message.
“The resurrection of Jesus from a death mercilessly inflicted on him by people blinded by ambition, power and narrow legalism gives us hope,” he said.
Likening the resurrection of Christ to the country’s own redemption, President Aquino urged Filipinos to “seek the light amid the clouds of uncertainty.”
As Lent offered Christians around the world “a fresh start,” with a commitment to “sustain that which betters us … and learn from our mistakes,” the President said his governance through the straight path had led the country “toward positive transformation.”
“We are weeding out the corrupt and strengthening our institutions and through reform, we are freeing ourselves from poverty, toward a more just, more inclusive society,” the President said in his Easter Message.
Vice President Jejomar Binay, for his part, called on the public to pray for “clarity of mind” in the coming elections, as he expressed hope that leaders with compassion and humility would be elected on May 9.
Speaker Feliciano Belmonte said Easter Sunday was a time of hope, noting that in a democracy, “we experience both successes and failures or flaws. But the beauty of the system is that it comes with many opportunities for renewal and rebirth.”
Tagle told the faithful that the annual commemoration of Jesus’ resurrection and glorification was a reminder that “love, mercy and life will prevail.”
“We often wonder whether decency, caring and courtesy still exist. We are shocked when we hear stories of cheating, theft and betrayal,” Tagle lamented.
“We weep when we see the teeming numbers of street kids, street families, beggars, youth dissipated by drugs, women trafficked into prostitution and slavery, families torn apart by poverty, parents searching for their missing children,” he added.
“We convince ourselves that images of refugees and victims of terrorist attacks are merely a passing nightmare. We cry with the earth as we cry with the poor. Yes we need to cry as we see and visit these tombs.”
The cardinal added, however, that “the Risen Lord changes the whole story.”
“We loudly sing ‘Alleluia’ above the blast of bombs and gunfire. Before the signs of evil that destroys life, human dignity, the common good and creation, we profess with conviction, ‘Jesus is truly risen. God has truly triumphed! Evil will never win,’” Tagle said.
The prelate urged the faithful to bring the Risen Jesus’ greeting “Peace be with you” to those who are fearful and despairing.
He encouraged them to say “In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, rise and walk” to the weary and despairing, who have lost energy to stand and walk. Reports from Tina G. Santos, Nikko Dizon, Tarra Quismundo and Leila B. Salaverria