‘Renew, embrace new life’

CEBU, Philippines — As Holy Week comes to a close, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma encourages Cebuanos and the rest of the faithful to embrace this new chapter as an opportunity for renewal and transformation.

Today, Easter Sunday, Palma invites the faithful to open their hearts, let go of the past, and commit to doing good.

“Mga hinigugma diha ni Kristo ang tibuok katawhan nga giluwas sa Diyos nag-awit karon og Alleluia kay nabanhaw ang atong Manunubos,” Palma said in his Easter message, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The archbishop reflected on the significance of Easter Sunday, describing it as a testament to God’s ultimate victory over sin and death through the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross.

This occasion, he emphasized, serves not only as a commemoration of Christ’s resurrection but also as a profound reminder of God’s unconditional love and faithfulness to His promises.

“Ang Pasko sa Pagkabanhaw nagpahinumdum ka nato nga nabuntog na sa Diyos ang sala ug kamatayon pinaagi sa sakripisyo ni Hesus sa Krus,” Palma said, underscoring the depth of this divine act of love.

Palma traced the origins of humanity’s fall from grace to the disobedience of Adam and Eve, who ate the forbidden fruit.

He explained how this original sin was redeemed by Jesus’ obedience and sacrifice on the Cross, which he referred to as the “wood of redemption.”

Through this ultimate act of selflessness, Jesus brought salvation to all, showing that love and grace can conquer even the greatest darkness.

The empty tomb, Palma said, symbolizes the fulfillment of Jesus’ promises to His disciples—a powerful sign of hope and renewal for all.

“Ang walay sulod nga lubnganan nagtimaan sa katumanan sa mga saad ni Hesus sa iyang mga tinun-an. Kini nagpakita sa pagkamatinud-anon sa mga pulong og saad sa atong Ginoo,” he stressed.

Reflecting on the events of Holy Week, the Archbishop called on the faithful to open their hearts to the transformative power of Christ’s resurrection.

Just as Jesus opened the gates of His tomb, He invites humanity to step into the glory of eternal life and embrace a path of renewal.

“Tugutan unta nato ang nabanhaw nga Kristo nga muabli sa atong mga kasing-kasing ug mugisi sa tabil nga nagdala’g kangitngit sulod niini,” Palma urged, encouraging believers to remove the barriers of sin and let God’s grace enter their lives.

As Catholics worldwide celebrate this sacred day, the archbishop also reminded the community of their calling to become vessels of God’s light and love.

“Ang grasya sa nabanhaw magbag-o unta kanato aron nga mas mamahimo kitang abli sa mga butang nga Diosnon,” he said, emphasizing the role of Easter in inspiring personal transformation.

With joy filling the hearts of the faithful, Palma shared that this Easter serves as a powerful reminder of God’s unwavering love and the hope brought by Christ’s resurrection—a call for renewal, a journey toward new life, and an invitation to share His light with the world. — (FREEMAN)