Palma: Christ’s resurrection a sign that we can overcome trials

CEBU, Philippines - On Easter Sunday, Cebu Archbishop José Palma reminds Catholics that Christ's resurrection is a demonstration that Jesus has conquered over death, evil and darkness - an assurance that people too can overcome the earthly miseries such as the looming threats, natural disasters or political crisis if they turn to God.

"Ang pagkabanhaw ni Kristo usa ka nindot nga pasalig sa gahum sa Diyos nga nagmadaugon bisan pa sa kangitngit sa kalibutan, bisan pa taliwala sa presensya sa mga dautan. Ang Diyos nagmadaugon bisan pa sa kamatayon," said Palma on his homily during the Easter Sunday Mass yesterday dawn at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.

"Taliwala sa daghang krisis, bisan pa sa daghang mga natural disaster... bisan pa niining mga hitabo nga magdala nato og kahadlok. Pero ang nabanhaw nga Kristo nagpasalig," he affirmed.

In entering the Easter season, Palma relayed God's important message that people should never be afraid once they take refuge in His protection and entrust to Him their fears and worries.

"Ayaw kahadlok... salig kita sa Diyos ug duol kita sa Diyos. Siya sa iyang pagkabanhaw nagdala og bag-ong paglaum, nagdala og bag-ong kinabuhi," said the 67-year-old prelate.

Despite the many trials, Palma said people should remain steadfast in their journey since the Lord is always in their midst.

"Padayon sa paglakaw niining kinabuhi... Ang Diyos uban kanato," he said.

As a reminder this Easter, Palma said the risen Christ brings hope and offers new life to people who are open to conversion.

"Ang Kristo nga nabanhaw maghatag nato og grasya nga kita usab makatagamtam ug maka-experyensya og bag-ong kinabuhi," he said.

"Unta tungod sa iyang grasya, kitang tanan magdala og kausaban, magdala og kalipay sa atong kabanay, magdala og kaayohan sa atong katilingban ug simbahan," he added. —/JBB (FREEMAN)