Advincula calls on faithful to bravely show love for God and others
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
People should not be ashamed to express their love for God and others, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula said during the evening mass at the Manila Cathedral on April 6, Maundy Thursday.
As the Church enters the “most solemn” days of the year, the Cardinal reminded Catholics to reflect on the “great things and great mysteries” that God did for the salvation of mankind and the whole world.
“On this night, Jesus showed the extent of His love for His disciples and all of us. That is why He washed their feet…[and] gave us His body and blood. Jesus loves us to that extent and Jesus is not afraid to show the extent of His love,” he said.
As Jesus set an example on how to show love, the faithful should learn to exert effort in expressing their love; not just simply presuming that the people they care about are already aware of it.
Advincula explained that love must also be expressed through actions, because “true love is seen in deeds” not through words and emotions.
“Huwag tayong matakot at huwag nating ikahiya na ipakita ang ating pag-ibig sa ating pamilya, asawa, kapatid, at mga kamag-anak,” he added.
But aside from showing love to the people one is related to, the Cardinal said that Catholics should not forget to show love to the different sectors in society that need “attention, concern, and assurance that they are not alone in their life journey.”
Advincula also reiterated the Church’s mission to become synodal — to be more inclusive and open to people from all walks of life.
“Nais nating ipakita na buhay ang diwa ng synodality. Walang naiiwan, walang naglalakabay nang mag-isa. Lahat tayo magkakasama,” he said.
On the same evening mass, the Cardinal led the washing of the feet of the 12 ‘apostles’ which consisted of people from different sectors of society.
Among those who participated are Dr. Ryan Capitulo from the LGBT community, broadcast journalist Raffy Tima, Commission on Elections spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco, Judge Caroline Rivera-Colasito, Johhan Joseph Ararao from the Intramuros Administration, kalesa driver Cyril John Sunnga, jeepney driver John Michael Roldan, Angkas rider Manuel Jorge Manarang, mission station priest Ernesto Panelo, Sr. Liane Rainville, farmer Alberto Mandia, and Dumagat indigenous elder Iluminada Sta. Ana.
“Let us always show our love, let us not be afraid to show how much we love Jesus by loving each other,” Advincula said.
