Easter message of Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila
Christ is risen! There is no message more beautiful than this, no truth full of hope and delight than this. After all our Lenten penance and preparations, our fasting and sacrifices, we come to the very foundation of our faith. We hear the proclamation of the angel, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for He has been raised just as He said.” (Mt. 28: 5-6)
Upon hearing the message, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, fearful yet overjoyed, quickly went to tell the disciples. “And behold Jesus met them on their way and greeted them.” (Mt. 28:9) Jesus matched the fervor of the two women. He couldn’t wait to reveal Himself to them. Brothers and sisters, there is no one more excited to tell us that He is risen than Jesus Himself. He interrupted the women before they could even fulfill their task.
As we continue the synodal process of listening and walking together through the “Traslación RCAM Roadmap,” this gesture of Jesus ignites and inspires us in our desired renewal for the Archdiocese of Manila. He does not wait for us. He comes to us and encounters us on the way. He is the “Risen Nazareno” who waits for us in the streets of our parishes. He is the “Risen Nazareno” who wants to lead us to a new life, to transformation and conversion. May the Resurrection of Christ open our hearts and minds to the needed reforms and reorganizations in our local Church with eagerness and joy.
Easter will transform RCAM; Easter will transform each one of us and lead us to conversion. If the resurrection of Christ is something we truly and personally believe, then it will change the manner we live our lives. There would be more compassionate and forgiving relationships, greater energy, boundless creativity, perseverance in mission, resolute courage to face evil and fight oppression, and confidence in times of trial. There would be more reasons to follow Christ, bear his cross, and share his good news with others.
I wish you all a blessed Easter.
Jose F. Cardinal Advincula
Archbishop of Manila
