Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Tonight we gather here at the Manila Cathedral to celebrate the most significant event in the Christian faith – the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. We recall the joyous day when Christ rose from the dead, conquering sin and death and bringing new life to all who believe in Him.
On this holy night, we also celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism, which is a profound symbol of our participation in the death and resurrection of Jesus. In Baptism, we die to our old selves, and we rise with Christ to a new life. As we witness the baptism of our brothers and sisters tonight, let us remember the importance of this sacrament in our Christian lives.
Baptism is not just a ritual or a tradition; it is a personal commitment to live our lives as followers of Christ. It is a public declaration that we choose to be part of the community of faith and that we are willing to walk the journey of faith with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Through baptism, we are joined to the body of Christ, and we become members of His Church.
And as we light the Paschal candle and proclaim the resurrection of Christ, we are also reminded of the power of the light of Christ. This light represents the triumph of life over death, and it serves as a symbol of hope and renewal for all of us.
Through our baptism, we are united with Christ in his death and resurrection, and we are called to share in his mission to bring light into the world. As we continue on our journey of faith, let us always remember the importance of working together in the spirit of synodality, and let us never lose sight of the light of Christ that guides us along the way.
As a community of faith, we are called to respond to the Resurrection of Christ with love and devotion. We are called to share the Good News of Christ’s victory over sin and death with the world around us. We are called to be witnesses to the grace and mercy of God, and to show that same grace and mercy to others.
As we celebrate the Resurrection of Christ tonight, let us renew our commitment to Him and to His Church. Let us remember the promises we made at our own Baptism, and let us live out those promises in our daily lives. Let us be a community of love, supporting one another as we journey together in faith.
May this Easter Vigil be a reminder to us of the power of Christ’s Resurrection and the importance of our participation in His Church. Let us go forth from this holy night, filled with joy and hope, and let us be the light of Christ to the world around us. Amen. (Photo by Maricar Santos/RCAM-AOC | Photogallery)
