CBCP: Don’t forget why Jesus died

THE Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said that the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ is best understood by not forgetting why he died on the cross.

“He died for us when his hour had come; he faced death. He faced death consciously, willingly, with his heart filled with love for us, filled with the mercy of God for us. But then, Jesus rose from the dead; he was victorious over death. His victory over death he shares with you and me. This is Easter for me,” said former CBCP president Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles.

Catholic devotees carry the image of the dead Jesus Christ on Good Friday March 29 2024. PHOTO BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE 

Valles said that the spirit of Easter is still very much alive in the hearts of Christians as they overcome hardships and through acts of kindness and compassion.

“This is a spirit which is born out of faith and conviction that Jesus has defeated death and has risen back to life — for all of us. It is a spirit that springs forth from both convictions, the conviction that the Lord truly and deeply loves us and the conviction that we are a people truly capable of loving and caring for each other in the worst of times,” he added.

Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula said that Jesus rose again not just to vindicate himself but also his beloved flock.

“On Good Friday, we commemorated Jesus’ death and burial. On Holy Saturday, we recalled his descent into hell. And today, the third day, we joyfully celebrate Jesus’ resurrection,” Advincula said in a homily.

He added that, like Jesus, Christians should look forward to the hope of resurrection as they experience betrayal and abandonment.

“Jesus rose again to tell you, in ways more powerful than words, do not despair, continue to trust, continue to hope; your ‘third day’ will also come. There is also a resurrection that awaits you,” Advincula said.