Palma’s Easter Message: Use victory of the risen Christ to bring change to the nation

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma. | CDN File Photo

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma told the faithful that the victory of the resurrection of Jesus Christ can be used as an inspiration to bring change to the nation.

Palma said that the Easter Sunday celebration is a celebration of the victories of faith which is the victory of the light against darkness, victory of goodness versus evil, victory of forgiveness over hate, victory of love over pain, and the victory of life over death.

“Mga hinigugma, tungod niini sa atong personal ug kinabuhi, isip communidad, mao kini ang panahon nga kita tanan gi awhag dugang sa iyang pagsalig sa Diyos (Dearly beloved, in our personal lives and as a community, this is the time that we are called to put our faith in God),” said Palma.

He said that this faith in God can bring forth change in the community provided that people use their faith to transform the lives of others who were left in the dark.

Palma who officiated he Eastern Sunday Mass at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral earlier today, April 21, said that faithfuls should never be afraid to turn their life around and stay away from sin.

Drugs addicts, he said, deserve a chance to change and under go rehabilitation and spiritual reformation.

He cited as an example a graduate of a drug rehabilitation program who once said that if he changed his ways and made a single person happy, that would mean that he has already achieved his purpose in life.

Palma said that even the ordinary person who chooses to change himself can also introduce change in his community.

The archbishop ended his Easter message and homily with a call for political leaders and candidates in the May 13 midterm elections to become the change that the country needs today.

“Unta sa gahom sa Ginoo adunay kausaban ug kalipay sa atong nasod. (With the grace of God we look forward to seeing change and happiness in our nation),” said Palma. /dcb