CBCP: Easter manifesting in every service, sacrifice amid pandemic

EASTER actually came earlier than Sunday.

This is according to Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President Archbishop Romulo Valles saying victory over death, just like Jesus Christ, has long been manifested in the country in the acts of heroism being shown amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

“I see clear sparks of the spirit of Easter in the hearts of thousands in the midst of this pandemic. Indeed, it is so moving and so heartwarming to see individuals trying to save and protect the life of ailing patients, whose hearts are filled with selfless goodness for others, especially for the sick and the poor; individuals, who have the courage to offer heroic service and sacrifice with the clear risk of losing their very own lives,” said Valles in his Easter Message.

“Together, seeing the countless acts of sacrifice and service, acts of kindness and compassion, we begin to see that the spirit of Easter is still very much alive in our hearts,” he furthered.

Add to this, he said, are those who showcase their gratitude to the frontliners in the battle against the novel virus.

“Moreover, we see people of all walks of life, men and women, old and young, manifesting simple acts of appreciation and gratitude to all those, who offer their lives so that others may live,” noted Valles.

And using the same acts as inspiration, the CBCP chief said everyone can still hope that the world can rise from the pandemic brought about by Covid-19.

“As Filipinos, together with all the peoples in the world, are bigger than the threat of the coronavirus pandemic. Together, with hearts filled with goodness and love, filled with deep sense of service and sacrifice, I begin to see the hope of Easter in us, and this hope is stronger when we, together, have hearts like that of Jesus in his sacrifice in Calvary,” he stressed.

“We see that, together, our life is more powerful than the menace of death that this pandemic brings,” said Valles.

Today, the Catholic faithful marks Easter Sunday, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after He died on the cross.

However, unlike in previous years, religious traditions of attending the Salubong, and the Easter Mass, were absent due to the prevailing lockdown. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)