EDITORIAL - Happy Easter!

Today is Easter Sunday, which the Christendom generally celebrates as the day of the resurrection of Christ three days after He died during His crucifixion. Aside from Christmas Day, the Easter Sunday is probably the most important day in the Christian world.

Christ's resurrection has always been significant for Christians. For they believe it fulfilled God's promise that Christ's death has washed away the sins of those who believe in Him.

God has designed the death and resurrection of Christ as a promise for mankind's salvation. Although He promised salvation, God's love for mankind has been unconditional.

There are countless proofs of God's absolute love for man. But, sadly, mankind sometimes chose to ignore His unsolicited love, opting instead to walk on evil path.

The Bible says, through John 3:16, that for "God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." Every believer must have already memorized this one of the most widely quoted verses from the Bible.

However, God's unconditional love for mankind does not travel on a one-way street. Man must also learn to reciprocate it. He has to do his part. As the old saying goes, "It takes two to tango."

But how can man repay God's love for him?

God only wanted man to repent for the forgiveness of his sins. He, however, did not impose measures that we ought to repent in order to have salvation. Man's repentance must come from the heart. He must submit himself to the Lord without having to demand conditions.

Repentance should not only be done during the Holy Week, the favorite occasion for many Filipino devotees to undergo self flagellation. It must be done on a daily basis, and as constant as God's love for mankind.

Doing something good to others is like presenting oneself before God for repentance. For in this evil world, the only way for man to have salvation is through spiritual renewal not only in this Season of Lent but in his daily struggle in life.

Happy Easter to all!