Cardinal Rosales: Promote truth, justice at start of Holy Week

Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales exhorted the faithful late Wednesday to promote truth and justice as they mark the start of Holy Week this Sunday. In a pastoral letter to be read during Sunday Mass, Rosales said it is not enough to do works of mercy, but also to know why poverty and justice continue to exist, and then do something about it. "As we do works of mercy, let us also seek and promote truth and justice, which is the challenge of this year's Alay Kapwa theme Katotohanan at Katarungan: Hamon sa Sambayanan tungo sa Pagkakaisa at Kabanalan. Begin by asking why poverty and injustice exist in our country. Then commit yourself in helping transform our nation to become one and holy. May Christ be our inspiration who gave his life to heal the brokenness of our world and to restore God's reign of love and justice for all," he said in the pastoral letter, which was posted on the Archdiocese of Manila website (www.rcam.org) Wednesday night. He said he prays that more people would support Caritas Manila, the archdiocese's charity arm, and its work for the development of the poor. The prelate said contributions will support and sustain nationwide social initiatives on peace, advocacy, governance, ecology, sustainable agriculture, children's rights and disaster management. Rosales invited the faithful to reflect on the teachings of Jesus on love and service for others, especially during the last week of Lent. "How shall we love our neighbor? Suppose there are brothers and sisters who need clothes and don't have enough to eat. What good is there in saying to them, God bless you! Keep warm and eat well, if you give them the necessities of life? Love should not just be in words and talk. It must be genuine – a love that shows itself in action," he said. He added Alay Kapwa Sunday is an opportune time to collectively reach out to others, offering to neighbors "who we are and what we have as an expression of our solidarity with the poor." "Share your time, talent and treasure. Whenever we see people hungry, thirsty, homeless, sick and oppressed, it is our duty to act. I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me drink, homeless and you gave me shelter, sick and you visited me. Truly I say to you, as you did it to the least of my brethren, you did it to Me," he said. Rosales also reminded his flock that in sharing, no one is poor that he has nothing to give and no one is so rich that he has nothing to receive. - GMANews.TV