Dcn. Francis Sotalbo

 

It is our great privilege to be among those who fully understand that Christ gave His life as a ransom for our sins. Christ died for the salvation of mankind & God’s creation.

 

As we commemorate year by year this special event in the Christian calendar we call “The Passion of Christ”, our level of gratitude must increase to the point where we trust God in all circumstances. This level of faith in and full appreciation of the sacrifice of Christ will push us beyond our comfort levels. In selflessness we must share this understanding, that Christ died on the cross and on the third day rose from the grave. It is our duty to proclaim the victory, our salvation from eternal condemnation, as a result of Christ suffering on the cross.

 

The resurrection of Christ is the end of the curse and the beginning of new life for us: a life of peace in spite of turmoil around us, a life of contentment in spite of having less than some, a life of honor and dignity in spite of being poor, a life of victory in spite of many failures, a sense of happiness in spite of separation from our love ones who have gone before us, and a sense of hope and assurance of eternal life after death.

 

Luke 24:32 says, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?” Do our hearts also burn, knowing the truth about Christ? That burning in our hearts should motivate us to be witnesses of Christ. In this country almost everybody knows the story of Jesus, but believing that He is our salvation and victory is another thing. Anointed with the Holy Spirit, we should share the full reality of Christ’s resurrection, that it is the ultimate conclusion of the plan of God for mankind and His creation. There are many interpretations of the Scriptures, but through the Holy Spirit we know the right one. He guides us in all the truth; Jesus promised us that while He was still on earth.

 

So as we remember Jesus’ sacrifice for us, let us recommitment to that “burning in our heart” to share the Good News, and appreciate ever more the love of God for us.

 

Happy Easter to everyone!

 

Dcn. Francis Sotalbo