Easter spirit is manifested in sacrifices vs. COVID-19 –CBCP

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines on Sunday urged the public to see Jesus Christ in every health worker’s sacrifice in the combat against the deadly coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In his Easter message, CBCP president Archbishop Romulo Valles said victory over death has been shown in the country through the acts of heroism by the frontliners in the war against the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Yes, no doubt, we are in an extremely grim situation, but I see clear sparks of the spirit of Easter in the hearts of thousands in the midst of this pandemic,” Valles said.

“Indeed, it is so moving and so heartwarming to see individuals trying to save and protect the life of ailing patients, whose hearts are filled with selfless goodness for others, especially for the sick and the poor, individuals who have the courage to offer heroic service and sacrifice with the clear risk of losing their very own lives.”

Moreover, he said he he can see the spirit of Easter in people who pay tribute and show simple acts of appreciation and gratitude to those “who offer their lives so that others may live.”

“I begin to believe that we, as Filipinos, together with all the peoples in the world, are bigger than the threat of the new coronavirus pandemic. Together, with hearts filled with goodness and love, filled with deep sense of service and sacrifice, I begin to see the hope of Easter in us, and this hope is stronger when we, together, have hearts like that of Jesus in his sacrifice in Calvary.”

“Together, seeing the countless acts of sacrifice and service, acts of kindness and compassion, we begin to see that the spirit of Easter is still very much alive in our hearts,” he said, encouraging everyone to stay true to the spirit of Easter despite the pandemic.

“We can still celebrate with profound thanksgiving in our hearts the solemn commemoration of the Resurrection of Jesus: the triumph of Jesus over death. This is the Easter that, I believe, we can celebrate together in these difficult days.” —Ma. Angelica Garcia/LBG, GMA News