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The resurrection of Jesus from a death mercilessly inflicted on him by people blinded by ambition, power and narrow legalism gives us hope. Local and international events tempt us to be cynical and pessimistic. We often wonder whether decency, caring, and courtesy still exist. We are shocked when we hear stories of cheating, theft and betrayal. 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. 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. But 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.” To those who are fearful and despairing, we bring the Risen Jesus´ greeting, “Peace be with you.” As people breathe out fury at each other, we follow the Risen Jesus in breathing on the world and saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” To the weary and despairing who have lost energy to stand and walk, we say, “In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, rise and walk.”
In the name of the Archdiocese of Manila, I bring you greetings of Easter joy, hope and mercy. God has raised Jesus back to life. God´s triumph is sure. Love, mercy and life will prevail!
+Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle
Archbishop of Manila
