“We call on Jesus to breathe the Holy Spirit on the Filipino people so that we may experience a fresh start in our quest for peace especially in the Bangsamoro autonomous region, in communities ravaged by earthquakes, typhoons and armed conflicts, in our fight against corruption, unscrupulousness, human trafficking, new forms of slavery, abuse of children and women, dehumanizing destitution and the wastage of creation, to name a few,” Tagle said.
The archbishop noted that peace expresses the hope that the sinner may become whole again, as peace “is a plea to start again.”
“We pray, ‘Risen Jesus, enter our locked hearts, homes, offices and institutions and bring us your peace!’”
Also, Tagle called on faithful to be ready to be sent on a mission, the way Jesus was sent by the Father.
He said Easter is indeed a “missionary event,” transforming otherwise timid and fearful disciples into bold and determined missioners.
“I call on all Christians, especially the lay faithful on this Year of the Laity to heed the Risen Lord who sends us to bring His word, peace and hope to all strata of human life and society. If peace and new life are illusive in our time, it is partly because we do not fulfill our mission. So at Easter we also pray, ‘Risen Jesus, send me as your co-worker!’” he said. — Joel Locsin/DVM, GMA News
