EVERY Lenten season to Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada is not only a time for worship services, festivals, fellowships, and deep reflection, but a time for renewal of faith in God, “our constant companion and loving savior.”
In his Easter message released Monday, Estrada said people are reminded of the good news of the love of God in Jesus Christ, in response to the realities and demands of our times.
“Our God gave His Only Begotten Son for the forgiveness of our sins, and His resurrection gives us hope, new strength in confronting our many trials and helplessness. His death on the Cross creates in us a strong resolve to overcome the many problems before us,” Estrada said.
“In the same way we have been forgiven of our sins by God, we should forgive those who have sinned against us,” he added.
The mayor reminded everyone to hope for a better tomorrow and wished all people of diverse political beliefs “to close ranks to face together the difficult challenges that still daunt the Filipino nation.”
“Let us all be bearers of hope and spend the Holy Week in thanksgiving and joy. Let us all discover the joy of serving. Let us choose to be persons for others. For in this season of Lent, ‘The greatest love a person can have for others is to give his life for them!” he said, quoting John 15:13.
“I am reminded of what our Dear Lord Jesus said: ‘I tell you, whatever you did to the least of my brothers and sisters, you did it for me’ (Matthew 25:10),” Estrada added.
He said that this season of Lent, “we must choose to be persons for others.”
“Our Lord Jesus during His life on earth has shown us that the way to serve Him is to enable the poor, the needy, and serve those living among the marginalized fringes of our society,” the mayor said.
“Today, let us all celebrate, rejoice and come alive in this Easter. Let us all be gifts of God to our people who are in dire need of help. Let us all be authentic bearers of hope. Let us all be persons for others.”