Advincula to Catholics: Be humble, compassionate amid conflicts

Manila Archbishop José Cardinal Advincula on Maundy Thursday called on the faithful to live by the virtues of humility and compassion amid the ongoing conflicts around the world.

At the Mass of the Last Supper at the Manila Cathedral, Advincula said it is by practicing these virtues that Catholics become instruments of the good news of the Lord.

“Tayong lahat nawa ay maging instrumento ng mabuting balita, maging tulay ng awa’t habag, maging liwanag sa mundong nabalot ng kadiliman at karahasan,” Advincula said in his homily.

(May all of us be instruments of the good news, the bridge of compassion for all, and the light of a world covered in darkness and violence.)

“Ang sandata natin ay hindi armas na pumapatay. Ang hawak natin ay ang salita ng Diyos na nagbibigay ng buhay. Ang salita ng Diyos na nagpakababa at naging tao upang turuan tayo kung paano maging tao at makipagkapwa-tao,” he added.

(Our weapon is not one that kills. What we have is the word of the Lord that gives life. The word of the Lord, who humbled himself and became man to teach us how to be human and how to be compassionate towards others.)

Advíncula pointed out that the conflicts all over the world stem from a lack of love for God and others.

“Ang nangingibabaw ay pagmamataas, pagmamalupit, kawalan ng paggalang sa isa’t isa. Sa halip na humanap ng paraan upang makausap at maunawaan ng iba, ang hinahanap ay ang mga paraan kung paano sila dudurugin at buburahin sa mapa,” the prelate said.

(What prevails is pride, cruelty, and a lack of respect for one another. Instead of finding ways to communicate with and understand others, what they look for are ways to crush others and erase them from the map.)

Advíncula made the call amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which began when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iran on February 28, leading to the deaths of at least 3,000.

This year, 12 individuals who help teach and spread the Catholic faith participated in the reenactment of Jesus Christ as He washed the feet of His apostles.

“Salamat sa mga lingkod na kagaya nila. Ang mga bata at mga kabataan ay natuturo at nagagabayan sa kanilang pagkilala, pagmamahal at pagsunod kay Hesus,” Advincula said.

(We are thankful for servants like them, who teach and guide children and youth in knowing, loving, and following Jesus.)

Commemorating Jesus Christ’s meal with his disciples before his suffering, death, and resurrection, the Catholic Church observed the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Maundy Thursday.

During this Mass, the Catholic Church reenacts the Washing of the Feet, which serves as a reminder to practice humility, service, and to love one another.

After the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the Blessed Sacrament is removed from the tabernacle and placed on an altar at one side of the church, marking the traditional beginning of the Visita Iglesia.

The Catholic faithful visit several churches to pray and reflect during the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

They are invited to remain in the church and keep vigil for an hour, from 6 p.m. during the Mass of the Lord’s Supper until 12 a.m. at the seventh church. — JMA, GMA News