Senators on Easter: Remain hopeful
As the nation celebrated Easter Sunday yesterday, senators called on Filipinos to remain hopeful and optimistic amid the challenges they face.
Sen. Grace Poe urged Filipinos to keep their “hopes high and practice keen discernment of things as we deal with the trials in our personal lives and the challenges as a nation.”
“Let us not allow anger, indifference and wastefulness overcome us as we manage our country’s daily affairs. Let us rise from our failings and train our sights on a brighter horizon – that the traffic mess will soon be solved, that jobs with decent pay will come, that health services will be better, that quality education will be accessible, that honest and efficient leaders will be in government,” Poe said.
Sen. Loren Legarda prayed that Filipinos will continue to have the strength to rise above life’s challenges and “to turn pain and sorrow into inspiration to lead more meaningful lives” just as Jesus Christ suffered and was resurrected.
“May we find it in our hearts to forgive and ask for forgiveness; to bring peace and be an instrument of unity in our homes and communities; to help the needy; to bring hope and love to those who are desolate; to be responsible citizens of our nation and stewards of God’s creation,” she said.
For Sen. Sonny Angara yesterday’s Easter is more than just candies and eggs but a celebration of the death and resurrection of our Father’s only begotten son, Jesus Christ.
“His resurrection – a demonstration of God’s immense power – is the cornerstone of our Christian faith. It symbolizes the eternal life that is granted to all who believe in Him. As we celebrate the most important day on the Christian calendar, let us be reminded of the endless love bestowed upon us by Lord Jesus and his promise of eternal life. The timeless message of Easter is about hope. It reminds us that hope must never be lost,” Angara said.
Sen. Francis Pangilinan, a member of the minority bloc, said democracy in the country could only be as vibrant and strong as the most vulnerable are able to enjoy it.
“Are widows and orphaned mothers coping after the murders of their family’s breadwinners? Are our young people free to reach their full potential? Are our farmers’ incomes equal to their efforts? Are our fishers able to enjoy the bounty of our seas? ‘Yes’ to all these questions is our prayer and our work,” Pangilinan said in his Easter message.
Sen. Leila de Lima, who is also a member of the opposition, urged the country’s leaders and Filipinos to follow Jesus Christ, who never abused his influence and power but set an example of humility and hard work.
“Instead of lording it over our countrymen and abusing our positions, let’s serve our countrymen, especially those who are poor,” De Lima said.
“Let’s remember: the resurrection of Jesus also paves the way for hope, contrition, and forgiveness of our sins. Whatever we’re going through, let’s continue to have faith in God,” she added.