DRAWING comparisons with the disciples of Christ after His death, Manila Archdiocese Apostolic Administrator Bishop Broderick Pabillo is calling on the Filipino faithful to become better individuals once the “uncertainty” brought about by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic and the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) is over.
In his Easter Message 2020, Pabillo said people should be open to the many changes that can be brought about by the conclusion of the pandemic and the lockdown, including them becoming better individuals and members of the community.
“We do not know what will happen in the coming three weeks. We do not know what will be our life after the lockdown. Surely, many things will change... Let us allow ourselves to be surprised by God,” said Pabillo.
“Of this we are sure, though: we will rise up from this pandemic. We will rise up, hopefully not to go back to our former way of life. We will rise up stronger and more confident. We will rise up with greater care for our health and our families. We will rise up strengthened in our relationships,” he added.
The prelate said such a predicament is no different from the uncertainty faced by Jesus’ disciples after He died before eventually being resurrected.
“In spite of the announcement of the Lord Jesus that he would rise again, the idea of the resurrection did not register among his disciples. So when Jesus was killed and buried, for the disciples, Jesus is over. He is dead,” he said.
“So when they saw the tomb empty, their first thought was, who took his body? And when they finally saw him, they were afraid. They thought they were seeing a ghost! Jesus had to assure them that it was he. He had to show them his wounded hands and side. He had to eat in front of them. The resurrection was totally unexpected to the disciples,” added Pabillo.
The Manila bishop said the faithful should bear no doubts that they can become better persons after the ECQ after they were able to survive the pandemic and the ECQ.
“The quarantine period was hard, but we have lived through it renewed and with new realizations in life. It has given us new life,” he said.
“Let not the monotony of the quarantine put off the joy of Easter. The basis of this joy is not what we can do, but that the Risen Jesus is with us. He is acting among us and renewing us. Because of him, we shall overcome!” added Pabillo.
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)