Aquino to public: Learn to sacrifice

Catholic faithful in Binondo and Quiapo walked through the last moments of Jesus’ life to renew their faith on Maundy Thursday. Video by INQUIRER.net’s Ryan Leagogo

MANILA, Philippines – If Jesus Christ was able to sacrifice himself, the people should also be willing to make their own sacrifices. That was the gist of President Benigno Aquino III Lenten message this year.

“Bilang Kanyang mga tagasunod, nawa’y maging handa rin tayong tumanggap ng sarili nating mga sakripisyo,” Aquino said in the message released Wednesday.

(As his followers, we should always be ready to make our own sacrifices.)

The President said the Holy Week is the time to recognize Jesus Christ’s sufferings, His triumph over temptation, and His ultimate sacrifice – offering His life for the salvation of mankind.

“Hinarap Niya ang mga kalbaryo upang mabigyan tayo ng pagkakataon sa buhay na walang hanggan,” Aquino said in the two-minute video shot at Rizal Hall in Malacañang Tuesday.

(He faced intense suffering to give us the chance to live forever.)

The President then likened the challenges faced by Christ to that of his “Tuwid na Daan (Straight Path).”

He reminded the people that they should also be ready to accept their own sacrifices.

“Tiyak naman pong lahat ng ating pinaghirapan ay may positibong ambag para sa ikabubuti ng mas nakakarami,” he said.

(Definitely, our hard work will have a positive contribution that will benefit the majority.)

The President’s statement was released amid complaints on the traffic and public transportation in Metro Manila, as well as threats of possible brownouts because of the tight energy supply during the summer. Aquino’s spokespersons also recently received flak for alleged insensitive remarks on commuter woes pertaining to the Metro Rail Transit (MRT).

During the last part of the video message, Aquino said that the people should be humble, caring and righteous not only during the Holy Week.

“Ang ginagawa nating pagninilay at panalangin ay paghahanda lamang para sa isang buong buhay ng pagsunod sa halimbawa ni Kristo,”

(Our contemplation and prayers now are only preparations for a life devoted to following Christ.)

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