One must be willing to sacrifice, respond to God with gratitude, humility –Cardinal Advincula

On Good Friday, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula called on Filipinos to respond to God's immense love with gratitude and humility .

"Today, we gathered together the great sacrifice that our lord Jesus Christ made for us on the cross as we contemplate the immensity of God's love for us, we are called to respond as a community with humility and gratitude," he said during his homily at the Manila Cathedral.

Cardinal Advincula noted that we must recognize that we are unworthy of such a great gift, yet God still chose to give His undying love to us.

"We must also remember that we are called to love one another as Jesus loves us. That means that we must be willing to make sacrifices for the sake of others, just as Jesus did for us. This is not something we are unfamiliar with. We are capable of giving the same love," he said.

The Cardinal then cited how family members often make sacrifices out of love for one another.

"Parents make sacrifices in their personal time and interests to attend their children's activities and appointments. Siblings may share their belongings even if it means giving up something they really wanted for themselves. Children may take on extra responsibilities at home to help a parent in need. Spouses may put their careers [and] goals on hold to support their partner's career or focus on raising their children," Advincula said.

He said that the examples might seem small, but these portrayed one's willingness to prioritize the needs and well-being of their loved ones above their desires and interests.

"In the midst of our own suffering and struggles, we can take comfort in the fact that we are never alone. Never alone," he said.

"Jesus has already endured the worst that this world could offer, and He did it for us. He knows our pain and sorrow and is always with us, even in the darkest moments," Advincula added. — DVM, GMA Integrated News