Advincula inspires Catholics to imitate Jesus’ love through sacrificing for others
Like Jesus, Catholics should make sacrifices and prioritize the needs of others, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula said during the Celebration of the Passion of the Lord on April 7.
During his Good Friday homily, the Cardinal highlighted sacrificial acts, a reflection of Christ’s love that could be seen within families; where members willingly prioritize the needs of their loved ones over their own interests.
“Parents may sacrifice their personal time and interests to attend their children’s activities or appointments. Siblings may share their belongings, even if it means giving up something they really wanted for themselves. Children may take on extra responsibilities at home to help a parent in need,” he said at the afternoon mass at the Manila Cathedral.
According to Advincula, Catholics should remember that the sacrifice of Christ is embodied in these simple acts of selflessness which means that the needs of their neighbors must be prioritized.
“We must be willing to make sacrifices for the sake of others just as Jesus did for us. These examples may seem small but they show willingness to prioritize [the] needs and well-being of [their] loved ones over our own interests,” Advincula said.
The Cardinal also noted that love is a potent force that empowered sacrificial deeds, like how His crucifixion and death on the Cross saved humanity from redemption.
“He loved us so much that He gave His only Son to die for us. Jesus willingly endured unimaginable suffering and death on the cross not because He had to, but because He loved us so deeply,” he said.
Advincula assured the faithful that they are not alone in their struggles and Jesus had already endured the worst of what the world could offer — thus he is always with them, even in the darkest moments.
“Jesus has already endured the worst that this world could offer, and He did it for us. He knows our pain and sorrow and is always with us, even in the darkest moments,” he added.
Good Friday is a solemn commemoration of the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ for the salvation of humanity against sin.
Prior to the Eucharistic celebration, Manila Cathedral priests Fr. Bong Bayaras and Fr. Kali Pietre Llamado led the traditional Catholic devotion called the Stations of the Cross, which involves meditating on the 14 eve. — Angela Atejera
