Cebuanos reflect on Jesus' seven last words

Reflections on Jesus Christ's seven last words on Good Friday mirrored issues faced by Catholics today, including political promises, the threat of infidelity, and ongoing recovery from the onslaught of typhoon Yolanda, among others.

Reflection on the first word, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they're doing," was shared by the Arrogante family.

Mikhail Arrogante of the Family and Life Apostolate with his wife, Debbie and children, Zeth Mikhail and Debbie Angela, centered the reflection on how Jesus Christ healed and strengthened their family through forgiveness.

The couple shared their 10-year marriage was not without obstacles and one of those that really tested the relationship was Mikhail's affairs. Debbie said the love turned into hatred and pain but through divine intervention, the marriage recovered.

"Jesus healed my marriage. He changed me towards my fellow brothers and sisters. Totally, na- change gyud ko through sa akong trials sa kinabuhi ilabi na sa pagsuway sa akong kaminyuon. Iyang giwagtang ang bitterness, resentment, hatred and anger," she said.

She even learned to pray not only for herself but also for her estranged husband and his mistress for them to be enlightened, converted, and delivered away from sin. She too continues to pray for married couples who too experience the same challenge.

"Dili gayud sayon ang pagpasaylo, sa atong perseverance sa pagpasaylo, siya nihatag og grasya nga kita magpinasayluon, ug kita dili makabati og hilabihang kasakit bisan pa man ikapila kita hiluiban sa atong mga kapikas," she said.

Meanwhile, the reflection of Rev. Fr. Marvin Mejia, secretary general of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, on the second word of Jesus, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise," centered on electoral campaigning.

He said the use of violence, vote buying and cheating during the election period are "selfish, destructive and sinful" as stipulated under CBCP's pastoral letter.

"Let us all be guided by a sense of common good when we elect leaders. Let us choose those who are truly upright and self-sacrificing, respectful of the dignity of all, and compassionate towards the poor. Let us reject those who are dishonest, deceitful, self-seeking and unmindful of the poor. Not voting for a particular position when there is no one fitted for it is also a valid Christian political choice. Voting for the lesser evil is still voting for evil," he said.

The third word, "Woman, this is your son. Son, this is your mother," was reflected on by Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Dennis Villarojo as he recalled the experiences, both good and bad, during the hosting of the 51st International Eucharistic Congress in January.

He recognized the iconic and religious symbol of the Virgin Mary to the Church.

"Ang mahal nga birhen usa ka hulagway sa simbahan, nga maalagaron kay diha sa iyang pag-amuma ugpagatiman kanato, iyang gihulag- way sa pagkainahanon sa simbahan, bisan dunay mga tawo nga maot nga misalmot sa IEC, ang kinabagan nagpadayag sa simbahan nga maalimahon," he said.

The reflection tackled by Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Jayme Florencio was on the fourth word spoken by Jesus, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

He recalled his experience during the onslaught of the deadliest typhoon recorded in history that hit the central part of the Philippines on November 8, 2013. He was in Leyte at that time with other priests and seminarians at the Archdiocese of Palo.

When the water rose and the winds became stronger, they started to pray but the typhoon did not end. He even thought it was his last day. The storm ended eventually but not without thousands dead and countless structures destroyed.

"Apan wala gayud nibiya ang Dios, nagpabilin siya diha sa katawhan. Diha sa simbahan nga Iyang gisaaran nga Iyang pagaubanan hangtod sa kahangturan" he said, stressing that unified efforts were undertaken to aid the victims of Yolanda - the works that proves the presence of the Lord.

The fifth reflection on Jesus' words, "I am thirsty," was shared by Wilfredo Credo of Legion of Mary. He shared his sufferings from being far from his family when he worked as OFW in Saudi Arabia for 25 years.

The sixth word, "It is finished!", was reflected upon by Ma. Georgia Cogtas of Street Kids Formator - Dilaab Foundation, Inc. She shared how she found comfort in serving other street children to heal the suffering in her past when she used to scavenge in the streets.

The reflection on the seventh and last word, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit," was provided by Rev. Fr. Clyde Salitrero, the secretary of Association of Men Religious and Missionaries Societies of Cebu.

He shared his painful experiences with the patients as he currently served as the chaplain of the Perpetual Succour Hospital, Cebu City.

B. Miasco/JMO

- May