When there is humility, there is hope
The message of Pope Francis in his Urbi et Orbi (Easter Message) is capsulized in one word- hope. “We Christians believe and know that Christ’s resurrection is the true hope of the world, the hop that does not disappoint,” he addressed the world during the peak of this year’s Lent season. Regardless of religion, the message of hope is very timely and encompasses all aspects of life: personal, family, profession; from personal to larger scope like community and society in general. Behind every hope is an “underrated” humility. Before Christ’s resurrection )which symbolizes hope) is an enduring pain of Christ who died on the cross out of His humility and love for the mankind. He could have escaped martyrdom as He is God after all. But then, He was humble enough to embrace His fate just to fulfill the promise of Salvation. Pope Francis on Holy Thursday, March 29, washed the feet of prison inmates including two Filipinos during the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. The Holy Father visited Regina Coeli Prison in Rome located very close to the Vatican. The prison holds detainees from more than 60 nations, holding up to 900 inmates. It has received attention in the media due to overcrowding and high suicide rates. “I am a sinner like you. But I represent Jesus today,” Pope Francis told the inmates. The Pope explained to the inmates that during the time of Christ, washing of feet was something slaves did for the travelers when they entered their home after traveling the dusty roads. When Jesus washed the feet of his disciples it was to show them the importance of service- of how people must treat one another. “Jesus took a risk with this man, a sinner, to come to me to tell me that he loves me, This is service. This is Jesus. Before giving us himself in his body and blood. Jesus risked himself in service= because He loves us so much,” the Pope said. In a more local context, I would like to borrow the words of Most Reverend Bishop Socrates Mesiona on the conclusion of Holy Week. “Ang pakikiisa sa paghiirap ni Kristo at muling pagkabuhay ay magbibigay ng pag-asa sa buhay ng bawat isa na bawat problema ay may solusyon at bawat paghihirap ay may kaakibat na gantimpala sa huli.” The sun always rises from the EAST. As long as there is the sun, there is always hope in all of us.