Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula on Sunday challenged the faithful to shift their perspective on surrender, as doing so to God is a form of redemption, not defeat.
“In our world today, we are often told never to give up, to keep striving, pushing, competing, asserting ourselves. Surrender is often seen as weakness or defeat. We are taught that success comes from control and strength. But the Passion of Jesus reveals a different wisdom,” Advincula said.
“To fall into the hands of God to surrender ourselves completely to Him is not defeat. It is the beginning of redemption,” he added.
Meanwhile, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president Archbishop Gilbert Garcera called on the faithful to reflect on God’s immense love as the Church enters its most sacred season.
He emphasized that Jesus Christ offered His life on the cross to redeem humanity from sin.
Garcera also invited the faithful to return to God and experience His love anew, describing the observance as a time for conversion and spiritual renewal. Amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and other parts of the world, he pointed to God as the true source of lasting peace.
