Cardinal Tagle’s Easter Message

His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, DD, blessed with Holy Water President Benigno S. Aquino III and Presidential Sister Maria Elena “Ballsy” Aquino-Cruz during the Thanksgiving Mass for the reopening of the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Manila Cathedral) on Wednesday night (April 9). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

His eminence Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle delivered his Easter Sunday message this morning (Manila time).

A Blessed Easter to all! As we welcome God’s triumph over sin and death, let us listen to the encouraging greeting the Risen Jesus addressed to His disciples when he appeared to them, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” (John 20: 21). By these words He comforts and sends us today.

Peace is a gift of the Risen Jesus to frail, weak, and sinful disciples.  Peace is an offer of mercy and reconciliation to those who have been unfaithful. It expresses the hope that the sinner may become whole again. It is a plea to start again. With true peace coming from the Risen Christ we can all start a new life. We call on Jesus to breathe the Holy Spirit on the Filipino people so that we may experience a fresh start in our quest for peace especially in the Bangsamoro autonomous region, in communities ravaged by earthquakes, typhoons and armed conflicts, in our fight against corruption, unscrupulousness, human trafficking, new forms of slavery, abuse of children and women, dehumanizing destitution and the wastage of creation, to name a few. We pray, “Risen Jesus, enter our locked hearts, homes, offices and institutions and bring us your peace!”

Praying for Jesus’ peace, we should also be ready to be sent on mission, the way Jesus was sent by the Father. Easter is indeed a missionary event, transforming timid and fearful disciples into bold and determined missioners. I call on all Christians, especially the lay faithful on this Year of the Laity to heed the Risen Lord who sends us to bring His word, peace and hope to all strata of human life and society. If peace and new life are illusive in our time, it is partly because we do not fulfill our mission. So at Easter we also pray, “Risen Jesus, send me as your co-worker!”

I pray that the Risen Lord may fill you with Peace and Missionary zeal!