Easter is Jesus’ gift of new life – archbishop

MANILA, Philippines — Easter is Jesus Christ’s gift so that people will have a “new life” and renew their faith.

This was the message of Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula yesterday, Easter Sunday.

Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead teaches people that they can turn away from sin and start anew, according to Advincula.

“Easter is a moment to accept the new life that Jesus is giving to everyone. He conquered sin and death, and He is assuring us that we can do the same. He is offering us a chance to live again and rise from our afflictions and failures,” Advincula said.

He emphasized that with Easter, Jesus also sends this message: “You are loved. I have done everything for you. I embraced the cross for you. I went to the place of the dead for you. I have risen for you. Rise, with me. Live in me. Follow me.”

Advincula said that once people follow Jesus, they would become “a beacon of hope” and bring other people closer to the Lord.

Meanwhile, Caritas Philippines national director and Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo said Jesus Christ’s “resurrection embodies the promise of new beginnings,” particularly in responding to “ongoing challenges of poverty, natural disasters and the pandemic’s lingering effects.”

Caritas Philippines is the humanitarian and development arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines. — Delon Porcalla