‘Live a Christ-like life, share blessings

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged Filipinos to live Christ-like lives, especially in sharing their blessings with the poor, the sick and the downtrodden.

The President made the statement as he joined Filipino Christians in the solemn celebration of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ this Easter Sunday.

“Today, we remember the fulfillment of the promise of Jesus Christ to humanity — that he will rise again and deliver eternal salvation for all,” Marcos said in his message released on Saturday.

‘HE IS RISEN’ The 30-foot statue of the Risen Jesus Christ of the Monasterio de Tarlac towers over Catholic devotees and tourists in this photo taken on Black Saturday, March 30, 2024. It stands atop Mount Resurrection Eco Park in Barangay Lubigan, San José, overlooking the Zambales Mountain Range. The Philippines, a predominantly Catholic country, celebrates Easter Sunday today, March 31, to mark Christ’s victory over death, a core belief, and the end of the 40-day Lenten season. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO 

“This auspicious occasion reminds us that, while faith, devotion, and sacrifice are, by themselves, worthy ideals to aspire for, they also yield great rewards both here on earth and the hereafter,” he added.

Marcos enjoined Filipino Christians to draw inspiration from the resurrection of Jesus Christ “as we overcome our personal and spiritual challenges.”

“May this day also excite our hearts to live a Christ-like life, especially in sharing our blessings in whatever form to the poor, the sick, and the downtrodden,” he said.

“Finally, let us unite in praying for the continued guidance of God Almighty in our collective pursuit to build the Bagong Pilipinas that we are destined to achieve,” the President added.

Easter Sunday marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, three days after he was crucified and died on the cross on Calvary.

Christians believe that Jesus suffered and died on the cross on Good Friday to redeem humanity from sin.

In the Philippines, most commercial establishments operate on shorter hours or remain closed until Easter Sunday.

The observance of Holy Week this year is from March 24, Palm Sunday, until March 31, Easter Sunday.

The Philippines remains predominantly Catholic, accounting for 85 million or 78.8 percent of the over 108 million people who were surveyed in 2020.