Sunday, March 23, 2008 Cardinal challenges flock to join search for truth By Nancy R. Cudis Sun.Star Staff Reporter
CEBU Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal invited the Catholic flock to speak and spread the truth that Jesus is good and “is ready to save those who want to be saved.”
Concluding the Siete Palabras last Good Friday, the prelate made no direct references to the political or economic situation of the country. Nor did he ask for an apology from Senate witness Rodolfo Lozada Jr., who has called him head of the “Archdiocese of Malacanang.”
Instead, the prelate asked the people to remember the soldiers during Jesus’ crucifixion who, as witnesses of His death, eventually accepted His invitation to spread with courage the truth of His works and teachings.
“This is a challenge to those who are proud, won’t admit their wrongdoings, and won’t seek forgiveness, on the premise that they are merely human and that it is their human right, too, not to speak the truth. It is admirable and worth following anyone who wants to tread the path of truth and life,” said Cardinal Vidal in Cebuano.
Humble prayer
Meanwhile, Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, said the challenge of Holy Week is for the faithful to appreciate God’s love by “by turning away from our mistakes and sins, by stopping from crucifying other people, and above all by becoming the reason for the resurrection of others to new and better lives.”
“If on Good Friday we let God enter into our suffering, on Easter Sunday, we let God bring Easter in us. The resurrection of Jesus cannot be separated from his public life and death; otherwise we will fail to understand both,” said Lagdameo.
For this year’s Siete Palabras, the Archdiocese focused on its pastoral thrust as it prepares to celebrate its 75th year in 2009, “Contemplating the face of Jesus in the Bible.”
Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral parochial vicar Fr. Mhar Balili, who spoke about the first of Christ’s seven last words, focused on Jesus’ “humble prayer” not just for his followers but also for those who had gone astray.
Challenges
“What should we do when we experience pain, when loved ones turn their backs on us? What should we do when gossiping is called being socially aware, gluttony as good appetite, premarital sex as free sex, talking back as self-expression, third parties in relationships as sexually active, graft and corruption as sariling sikap?” Balili asked.
He lamented the lack of role models for the youth and the division of families, then urged the Catholic flock to follow Jesus’ example of unconditional love and to pray for all.
Guided by the second words, Fr. Marnell Mejia, editor of the Archdiocese’s weekly publication Bag-ong Lungsuranon, reminded the flock that Jesus does not reject anyone, even if he happens to be a sinner condemned by society.
Msgr. Ruben Labajo, moderator of St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Talisay City, said that Jesus, whose presence is alive in the sacrament of the Eucharist, will take care of His people when they follow Him and stay true to their faith.
“Let his third last words be a challenge to the students in fulfilling their studies, to the businessmen that they will not cheat on the prices of their products, and to those who will serve God for they will receive rewards from him,” he said.
Journey
San Carlos Seminary College rector Msgr. Rogelio Fuentes continued by saying that Jesus, who did everything according to God’s will, was “deeply sincere” in uniting with the people when He uttered the fourth words.
“He did not leave us. Man left him. It is part of our spiritual journey with God when we do not feel His presence. But by believing in His love, our faith will continue to bloom,” said Fuentes.
Msgr. Cristobal Garcia, chairman of the Archdiocesan Commission on Worship, urged the flock to learn from the sufferings of Jesus on the cross by humbly accepting their sins and repenting for them.
Msgr. Dennis Villarojo, chairman of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Planning Board, raised the challenge of continuing the work of Jesus on earth, guided by the Holy Spirit.
“If we will not accept our sufferings the way Jesus did on the cross, we will not achieve the common good,” he said.
The message of the last words, as explained by Archiocesan media liaison officer Msgr. Achilles Dakay, is for Christians to stay true to their mission and vows in life. (With GMD)
